Dr. Erthlay Witherspoon was born on March 23, 1939 in Sumter, South Carolina to the late Reverend Windson Witherspoon and Missionary Lela Witherspoon. On October 20, 2020, Dr. Witherspoon departed this Earth to accept his final assignment in Heaven.

Following his graduation from Lincoln High School he earned a bachelor's degree from Morris College in Sumter. Even though he commenced his career as an educator upon graduation from Morris College, he continued his education at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, earning his Masters Degree and completed his studies at South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, South Carolina earning the Doctorate of Education.

Throughout his career, he exemplified the virtues of hard work and community services that were ingrained in him from an early age. He dedicated almost five decades of his life to serving others in the field of education. He began his teaching career at Saint Paul Elementary School, Clarendon School District 1, Summerton, South Carolina. Upon leaving Summerton Dr. Witherspoon commenced his 46-year journey sowing into the lives of students in Sumter School District 17 both as a teacher and as an administrator. Early in his career in Sumter 17, he was a science teacher first at Lincoln High School and then at Sumter High School. Subsequently, he served as the Assistant Director for the Pre-Primary and Follow-Through Program before becoming the principal of Willow Drive Elementary School and then Bates Middle School. He concluded his tenure as the Assistant Superintendent for Administration for Sumter School District 17. During his career he was a state-approved mentor for new principals as well as the chairman of the Nomination Committee for Middle School principals.

Dr. Witherspoon was a beloved and active member of the community who was recognized throughout his life for numerous contributions. He served faithfully as a Deacon at Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church. He was also a member of the NAACP, The GoodfellowsClub, the Florence Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, the South Carolina Educators Associations, the Santee Wateree Mental Health Board, the Morris College Teacher Education Advisory Committee, and the Lincoln High School Memorial Fund Committee.

Dr. Witherspoon was preceded in death by his wife Alice Council Witherspoon as well as his siblings Windson Witherspoon, James Witherspoon, John Witherspoon, and Carrie Witherspoon-Jenkins. He leaves to cherish his memory: a daughter, Ersula Witherspoon; three Brothers-in-law, Julian Council, Ralph Council, and Tex Council; a sister-in-law; a host of nieces and nephews, including Dorothy Lawson and Charles Boykin for whom he felt great affinity, as well as many in the Sumter Community whose live were positively impacted by him.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, persons may make contributions to Morris College in Dr. Witherspoon's memory.

Public viewing will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.

Graveside Services will be held at 1:30pm on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 7355 Camden Highway, Rembert, SC 29128, with Rev. Anthony L. Taylor, Sr., Pastor, Officiating.

Job's Mortuary, Inc., 312 S. Main Street is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at: jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at: www.jobsmortuary.net .