Ernest Daniels Friend, commonly referred to as E.J., was born on January 24, 1984, in Brooklyn, New York. He transitioned peacefully on December 28, 2024, at his residence in Newport News, Virginia, where his loved ones discovered him. At the age of 40, E.J. will be remembered for the positive impact, he had on those around him and the cherished memories he created.
Ernest faced significant challenges in his early life, particularly following the loss of his parents, Ernest Friend Sr. and Jenell Daniels. Despite these difficulties, he exhibited remarkable resilience and determination in building his future.
In December 2024, Ernest transitioned into a new career as a truck driver with Prime Inc. after successfully completing his Commercial Driver’s License (C.D.L.) certification and simulation training. He approached this new path with passion, enthusiasm, and dedication, prepared to embrace the opportunities and adventures that awaited him.
He is preceded in death by his father, Emest Friend Sr.; his mother, Jenell Daniels; his great-grandmother, Bernice White-Seeberry; his aunts, Henrietta Seeberry, Willie Mae Giles (Pinky), Mary Lee Carter, and Alberta Seeberry; his uncles, Willie Daniels (Pop) and Big C (Bubby); and cousins Diane Dunne and Darold Giles. Additionally, Jaleesa Patrice Williams also predeceased him.
Emest is survived by his beloved grandmother, Geraldine Daniels, his aunt Atiyah Daniels, his uncle’s Vincent A. Daniels and Gary Daniels, his wife Tina Daniels, and great-uncle Timothy Harris. His only surviving sister, Jennetta Daniels. He leaves behind his cherished children: daughter Mikayla Emestine Daniels and son Ernest Daniels Jr., niece Cadeeshaw Cowan, great-niece Jo’ce Taliaferro, and nephews Isaac Guigma and Izair Guigma, who also grieve his loss. Additionally, his first cousins are Khaaliq A. Daniels-Solomon, Aliyah Matoawka Donovan, and her husband Tyron K. Donovan, Raheem Dishawn Daniels, Briana, and Chantelle Daniels, as well as Jessica White. His aunts Delores Seeberry, Ruthy Dunne, and Annie Mae also feel the profound sorrow of his passing. He is further remembered by his second cousins Atiyah Manae Donovan, Antwan Shuler, Khaaliq Jesiah Daniels, and Khaaliyah Denise Daniels, as well as Najad, Najaf, Nadra, and Namir Daniels, Kizwana Millian, and Patricia Porter. All of them mourn his loss deeply.
Ernest’s extended family includes Aunt Leckemyah Wise, Tylea Washington, mother of Mikayla Emestine Daniels, and Jessica Brown, mother of Ernest Jr. Ernest’s, and numerous brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, and uncles too numerous to name, all of whom he cherished deeply.
The family will receive friends and family for a viewing on Saturday, January 18, 2024, at Altmeyer Funeral Home-Denbigh Chapel, located at 12893 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Ernest’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him dearly.
