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Writer's pictureBeltsville News

Obituary: Catlin, Erith Adolphus


Born January 19, 1938, on the sunny island of Barbados in Holders Hill St James. He was the oldest and only son of three of Eileen Catlin, a single mom. At the age of 20, he responded to the voice of the Holy Spirit and repented for his inherent sins. He became an aspiring leader in the SDA church and committed his life to spreading the good news of the Gospel. In 1965, he married Elaine Reid and adopted her daughter Claudette. Together they had Catherine and Erwin.

Erith started his salesman career as a colporteur for the SDA church. When this ended in 1970, he acquired his first job as an insurance agent in Barbados with British-American Insurance Co. He was valued for his honesty and diligence in his work.

In 1972 he immigrated with his family to the USA. After one year in New York City, they moved up to New Hampshire, where Erith worked for the SDA church as a regional representative for the Christian Record Braille Foundation. Erith had a successful career, distinguishing himself by building strong relationships in the community and services for the blind.

In 1974, his second son Everett was born. In 1986, he earned a BA degree in human services from New Hampshire College and moved to Dover, DE, that year. He also started his 28-year career as an insurance agent with American General. In 1995, Erith was divorced, which ended one season and began a new one in which his love for Christ grew deeper. In 1997, his last daughter was born, Akira Wayman, his angel and the joy of his life.

In 2015, he retired after distinguishing himself as salesman of the year multiple times and winning multiple awards. However, being retired didn't stop him from caring for his clients. He continued to minister to their needs up until the day he died. In September 2019, his first book The Voice Said Write was published!

Erith was loved much by his creator and savior. His relationship with his God was deep and real and was reflected in everything he did. He was often heard singing a hymn or some familiar song of worship. He was never in lack. Erith loved much! He was a people person. All he met were readily charmed by his easy smile and warm personality. Caring for others was something that he took seriously. He didn't have much, but what he had he shared liberally. Many in the community of Dover, DE, benefited from his generosity. Erith Catlin loved to garden—he had a natural green thumb! Plants flourished under his care. Erith loved his family! He took praying for them seriously and daily interceded for his family members. In 2018, after a stroke, Erith spent the last 18 months of his life in Maryland with his daughter and her family. On February 10, 2020, Erith transitioned to his heavenly home! Erith leaves behind 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

He was working on his second book when the Lord chose to take him home where he is dwelling in the presence of his Lord and enjoying the company of his son Erwin, who preceded him to heaven. "Six decades have gone by since that day in 1958 (when he accepted Christ), and there has been no regret for that decision. There have been obstacles and stumbling blocks along the way, but the assurance of Ephesians 3:20: ‘Unto him that is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we ask or think according to the power....’ If we have little power, we ask little. If we have big power, we ask and think big."

You are welcomed to commemorate Erith’s life by visiting his website and donating to charity: https://everloved.com/life-of/erith-catlin/.

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