Earnestine Smith

Notes:

JOHNSON CITY - Ernestine S. Baker, age 89, of Johnson City, Tennessee went home to be with her Lord on Monday, March 6, 2023 surrounded by her family. Ernestine was born in Elizabethton, Tennessee to the late James Lamar Smith and Rowena (Matherly) Smith. Ernestine was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-six years, James Lee Baker, in November 2022; her son, Richard Baker; two brothers, Norman (Clara) Smith and J.L. (Josephine) Smith; an infant brother, James David Smith; and a special cousin, Billie Greene.

Ernestine was a loving and kind lady and above everything else she loved her Lord and her family. She was a graduate of Draughon’s Business College and worked as a secretary at Home Federal Bank before becoming a full-time wife and mother. She retired from United Way. She was a devoted member of Grace Baptist Church of Elizabethton, Pinecrest Baptist Church of Johnson City and most recently Grace Baptist Church of Johnson City. Ernestine was a talented seamstress and also enjoyed singing and camping. Although her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled nor forgotten, we find comfort that she is now at home with the Lord and reunited with Jim.

Those left to cherish and remember her memory include her daughter, Lisa Sisk and husband Wesley; four granddaughters, Ashley (Josh) Williams, Hayley (Britt) Reece, Alesha Sisk, and Kaylee Baker; two grandsons, Colby Baker and Chance (Emily) Baker; her great grandsons, Dylan, Roland, Bodhi and Judah Williams and Holston Reece; her daughter-in-law, Kyra Baker and family; one brother, David Samuel (Lala) Smith; and several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

A celebration of Ernestine’s life will be conducted at 3:30 PM on Sunday, March 12, 2023 in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Reverend Darryl Blair and Reverend Michael Heath officiating. The family will receive friends and family between the hours of 2:00 PM until the service hour at 3:30 PM on Sunday. Friends and family may also visit the residence at other times.

Ernestine will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Section). Active pallbearers will be Wesley Sisk, Joshua Williams, Britt Reece and Jan Laughrun.

Earnestine married James Lee Baker on 17 Nov 1956 in , Carter County, Tennessee, . James was born about 1930; died in Nov 2022. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James married Rowena Matherly on 22 Dec 1923 in McMinn County, , , Tennessee. Rowena (daughter of David Grant Matherly and Lydia Gordon McQueen) was born on 16 Dec 1907 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee; died on 24 Jun 2003 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

David married Lydia Gordon McQueen on 2 Sep 1895 in Johnson County, , , Tennessee. Lydia (daughter of Landon Lafayette McQueen and Catherine Melissa Bradley) was born about 1876 in Johnson County, , , Tennessee; died in 1961 in Johnson County, , , Tennessee; was buried in Butler Memorial Cemetery, , Johnson County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Matherly descendants came from England in early 1800 settling in Eastern Tennessee. His 1st marriage was to Biddie Johnson. Jane F was born 9-3-1842 and Biddie died when she was 13 months old. James then married Pherube Rosana Haynes (or Hawkins) on 10-16-1847. She was born 10-8-1827 and died 11-28-1917. Their children were Martha C 8-19-1848, John W 9-15-1850, Joseph D 11-20-1853, Mary E 10-18-1856, Celia H 5-5-1861, William J 1-10-1867, and David Grant Matherly 7-3-1870.

James married Phereby Rosanna Haynes about 1842 in North Carolina, , , . Phereby was born on 8 Oct 1827 in North Carolina, , , ; died on 28 Nov 1917 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Phoebe (Pheraby) was living with her son David Grant Matherly in the 1910 Johnson County, TN Census.

Landon married Catherine Melissa Bradley about 1872 in Johnson County, , , Tennessee. Catherine was born on 16 Nov 1848 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee; died on 22 Jan 1937 in Washintgon County, , , Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]