Born: Dec. 20, 1935

Died: Dec. 28, 2012

Ernestine’s life began on Dec. 20, 1935, in Chatfield, Ark., the daughter of Tom and

Roberta (Dickerson) Doyle. She was united in marriage to D.C. Grays on Oct. 5, 1962, in Dowagiac, and he preceded her in death on Aug.16, 1990. Ernestine loved her Lord. She was a member of Second Baptist Church in Dowagiac and New Horizon Outreach Ministry in South Bend. She was very active in her church and she enjoyed singing in the choir. Ernestine was a great cook, and she loved to eat Buffalo wings and catfish. She had worked for Heddon’s for several years, and, from there, she became a stay-at-home mom.

Her loving family includes her children, Althea Gray, Dan (Pam) Grays, Brenda (Derek) White; grandchildren, Fallon and Amber Royal, Derek White, Dan Grays Jr., Cynthia and Chris Allen, Debra; great-granddaughter, Anya; sisters, Pauline Murray, Almetia Doyle, Rosetta Arnold, Queen Ownes, Neomia Bell; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Ernestine passed away on December 28, 2012, at Sanctuary at Holy Cross in South Bend, Ind.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers and sisters, Tom Doyle Jr., Odessa Carter, Plesola Merriman, John Doyle, Roosevelt Doyle, Cora Mae Lancaster, Sidney Doyle and Rayford Doyle.

A Home Going Service for Ernestine will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Second Baptist Church with family hour from noon to 1 p.m. at the church led by Pastor Brian Bacon.

Ernestine will be buried in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to her family.

Please sign her book and leave a memory of Ernestine at www.yazel-clark.com.