|
She was affectionately
known by many nicknames including Ernie, Erna, Auntie Busia,
Peaches and Stine.
She graduated from Rogers
High School and ultimately received a bachelor’s degree in
business administration from Lourdes College at the age of
47. She was determined to be a college graduate by any means
necessary and had a passion for learning. She also worked
for several local companies, including GM Powertrain, Libbey
Glass and TARTA. For several summers she even drove an
ice-cream truck around town!
As a professional
counselor, Earnestine relished her role as a mentor and
advisor to young people while working for behavioral
agencies including Connecting Point and A Renewed Mind. She
often went above and beyond for her clients and cared deeply
about their progress.
Earnestine met the love of
her life when her son, Mario Rosser, was born on July 2,
1991. She and Mario’s father, John Rosser, devoted
themselves to their son. Earnestine dedicated her life to
ensuring that Mario received an outstanding education and
exposed him to people from all walks of life.
She was a long-time member
of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church and accepted Jesus Christ as
her Lord and savior at an early age while attending Ebenezer
Missionary Baptist Church.
Earnestine was also a
well-known leader in the recovery community of Toledo. She
organized and led meetings in various locations. She often
spoke about how the principles she learned in recovery
helped to shape her life and aided her in her Christian
walk.
She was also a great
athlete and enjoyed multiple sports. During her high school
years she was on the basketball, track and volleyball teams.
Additionally, she participated in various softball teams in
Toledo for many years during the 1980s and also was a member
of Toledo’s semi-professional women’s football team for a
few years – the Furies.
Earnestine believed in
supporting community events. She was a member of the
committee that organizes the local Kwanzaa celebration.
Additionally, she cared about local and national politics
and volunteers on campaigns.
Earnestine loved life and
enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She could
talk on the phone for hours and she made everyone feel like
they mattered. She was everyone’s best friend.
She will be greatly missed
by her family and all of her many friends who came to love
her. She was preceded in death by her father, Luther Harris;
brother, Tommie Lee Graham; sister, Lutherine Poston and her
beloved pet dog, Jubilee the First.
Left to cherish her memory
is her son, Mario Rosser; mother, Lula Harris; brothers and
sisters – Andrew (Marion) Graham, Vernice Blanchard, Marlene
(Darrell) Taylor and Lindsey Harris; sister-in-law Sharon
Graham; brother-in-law Steve Poston; former brother-in-law
Pete Blanchard, Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, family
and friends.
Earnestine was interred at
Woodlawn Cemetery on Saturday, September 15 after services
at Mt. Pilgrim during which acknowledgements were offered by
sister Marlene Harris Taylor and reflections were presented
by friends Annie Banks, Frani Washington and Rev. Stanley
Clark, brother Lindsey Harris and son Mario Rosser.
Rev. Raymond Bishop Jr –
senior pastor at Mt. Pilgrim – addressed the mourners with
the Word of Life.
|
