Mrs Ernestine Barnett

Ernestine “Ellison” Barnett was born September 13, 1937, in Columbus, Ohio to Ernest Thurron Ellison (Father) and Nancy Ellison (mother). Ernestine was one of 2 children. Her sister, Betty Jean Hairston (deceased), were thick as thieves. They were very close and always had each other’s back. Their father taught them to be strong, confident, and independent women.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior as a young lady. She joined Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church and remained a faithful member for decades, where she sang and was a member of The Voices of Triedstone and the YWCC (Young Women Christian Council). Ernestine raised her children in Triedstone MBC, where they were active. Also, her father helped build the foundation of Triedstone in the 1970s.

In the 50’s, Ernestine Ellison met John Barnett. They got married on June 14, 1958. This union brought 3 children: Dwayne S. Barnett, Johnna “Boo” R. Barnett, and Thurron E. Barnett. Ernestine, has also raised several other family members as her own.

In her 86 years of life, Ernestine graduated from Central High School in Columbus, Ohio. She worked several jobs, but spent over 35 years at C.M.A.CA.O. Head Start. She worked at four different locations. Her favorite was Milo Grogan Head Start, her first location. About a year after her last son was born, she was hired as a temporary Teacher Assistant. But it didn’t take her long to get a promotion; within a few years, she moved to a full-time position as the Head Teacher. When her son turned 3, she enrolled into the program.

She loved working with the staff as well as with the children. Many friendships were formed during this time. They became a family to her. They were at her house and she was at theirs. Cooking, playing games, and enjoying each other’s company. This included several staff member’s families bonding together as one big family. She absolutely loved working for C.M.A.C.A.O. Head Start.

Family meant everything to Ernestine! Spending time with family gave her life. This always included food, cookouts, playing games such as Bid-Whiz, Po-Ke-No, Spades, Spoons, Uno, as well as other card and board games. Constantly traveling with her kids, from one relative’s house to another’s at least 2 to 3 times a month, enjoying good fellowship, food and laughter. Ernestine often reminisced about these good times, which usually put a smile on her face.

Ernestine is preceded in death by her father, Ernest Thurron Ellison; her mother, Nancy Ellison; sister, Betty Jean (Jessie) Hairston; brother-in-law, Ray James Thornwell; nieces, Jenifer and Jessica Hairston; cousins, Ulysses and Peggy Austin, and special son, Shawn Williams.

Ernestine leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Dwayne (Mary Garth) S. Barnett, Johnna R. Barnett, Thurron E. Barnett, and LaVonda McLean, and many, many others, grandchildren, Natasha (Brandon Scott) R. Stith and Brandon Young; great grandchildren, Bre’Onna Scott, Layana Hammonds, Ladarius Edwards, Elijah Kelly, Braydyn Young, Kristian Young, and Riley Young; sisters, Joyce M. Crockett, Susie M. Ford; loved ones, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 10:00 AM Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church, 858 E. 3rd Ave. Interment at Eastlawn Cemetery. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. To read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Barnett Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com