Ertis Crouch

Ertis Crouch, also known as “Mr. E”, 84, of Providence, Rhode Island, was called home on Tuesday, October 12th, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife Vioris Ferrell; his parents Amos and Hattie Crouch and brother Willie Crouch.

Ertis served in the Armed forces. He was employed by several companies before he began his tenured career at Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA).  He was a transit operator for over 25 years before his retirement in 1990. Ertis was a member of the Prince Hall F&AM. His keen sense of business lead him to managing the Acacia Club located at the Prince Hall Grand Masonic Temple for many years. Through his work at the Acacia Club, Ertis embraced the idea of opening a nightclub. He brought this idea to fruition in 1990 with his business partner Beatrice Gomes, and Jovan’s Lounge was established as “A Great Place to Meet Nice People”. In the year 2000 after several renovations, Jovan’s Lounge had its rebirth as a bi-level nightclub and become known as Jovan’s Multiplex.  Before its closure in 2014, Jovan’s Multiplex continued to be Rhode Island’s premier nightclub. Through their success at Jovan’s, the nightclub was able to give back to the community by hosting annual holiday dinners for the senior community, Family and Friends Cookout for all ages, childrens’ holiday parties and a variety of other community events. 

Ertis had a passion for cooking and put his heart into every meal he prepared (just ask the Jovan’s staff). He became well known for his fried chicken, his buffalo wings in particular.  Aside from cooking, he also liked to dress to impress. He had an eye for fashion and was always sharp as a tack and clean as a whistle!

Ertis leaves to cherish his memories his son, Shane Jordan and his wife Keyra of Florida, his sister Joan Hambric and sister-in-law Ruby Crouch both of North Carolina, his grandchildren Shane Jr., Tehryn, Jarian and Jasmine Jordan, nine great-grandchildren, his niece Deborah Mathis of North Carolina, his bonus daughter, Ti-Ondra Gomes also known as “Brat” of Cranston, RI and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be missed by everyone who loved him.

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