Terry’s Metropolitan Mortuary | Talladega, AL

Obituary For Ernestine Robinson Terrell

A homegoing celebration for Mrs. Ernestine Terrell of Talladega, 87, will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Jacobs Chapel CME Church. Elder Jerrell Hicks will deliver the eulogy. Entombment will be in Pine Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be Friday, June 11, 2021, from 1-8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. The Omega Omega service will be held at a later time.

Ernestine Robinson Terrell was born in Camden, Alabama in Wilcox County on May 10, 1934, to Nathaniel Robinson Sr. and Amanda Thompson Robinson. A son came soon after and the family moved to Mobile, Alabama to pursue better educational and economic opportunities. Ernestine attended private school at the family Immaculata School for Early Childhood Education. She was an outstanding basketball player during this time, which was a fact not known to many people. She transferred to Westfield High School for one year as a senior when the family moved to Birmingham, AL. There she met Herman L. Terrell whom would be her husband. Their union was blessed with a foster son, Elisha, and two daughters, Hellenna and Lestrita. She later welcomed a granddaughter, Amanda, who was the light of her life especially since Amanda was named after Ernestine’s mother.

Ernestine went on to attend and graduate from Alabama State University completing a degree in education. During her time in college, she was extremely popular and was elected Miss Freshman, Miss Sophomore, Miss Junior and Miss Senior. She was also for short time a model. She never stopped pursuing her education. Ernestine would later in the 1970s receive her master’s degree in special education from the University of Tennessee. Ernestine’s work life began as an executive assistant for the Gaylord Company, a prominent construction company in Birmingham, AL. There she learned to read blueprints, an unusual skill for the soon to be teacher. She would later in life use this skill to assist her daughter and son-in-law in building their dream home. Ernestine went on to work in the area of education and special education, having taught at the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind for over 30 years. She touched many young lives there. She was a wonderful co-worker and enjoyed her teaching career.

A devoted wife and mother, Ernestine supported the dreams and endeavors of her husband and children. She homeschooled her children in the 1960s and her granddaughter in the 2000s, a concept that was way ahead of its time. The success of all of them was due to her forward thinking.

Community service was an integral part of Ernestine’s life. She served on the boards of the Girl Scouts of America and the board of the Talladega City Library helping to fund and build a new library for the children of the city of Talladega. She worked with local pastors on the Black History Month programs and Head Start programs. She served at Jacobs Chapel CME Church as the director of the Christian Youth Fellowship, on the Board of Christian Education, Vacation Bible School, Missionary Society and Stewardess Board #1. She assisted with the development of the church’s prayer room as well. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. serving as chapter president, regional workgroup leader and charter member of the Talladega Alumnae Chapter. She received an award from the sorority for outstanding service and her status as a founding member.

Mother was a person who was involved in family, church, community, school and beyond, while touching the lives of so many young people.

When she saw an opportunity to get involved to make things better, she did not hesitate and we were all the better for it.

Mother loved gardening, cooking, sewing, reading (especially The USA Today), sports (her favorite was basketball) and spending time with family and friends. She loved to love people that was her specialty and she loved us.

She was preceded in death by her husband, father, mother, brother and Godson, Elisha.

Ernestine is survived by her two daughters, Lestrita (Donald-deceased) and Hellenna; granddaughter, Amanda; daughter-in-law, Genese; cousins (like brothers and sisters); and a host of relatives, students and dear friends. Her life reflects the words of the song “May the work I’ve done speak for me.”

Guest Book

Sista you was one of a kind. A legendary leader and a sista to us all.We will Truly Miss you.

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My condolences to Lestrita and Hellena and family. I have warm memories of Mrs. Terrell and she was so welcoming and gave me a home away from home when I was attending Talladega College. She cooked such wonderful homemade meals. And at the same time was a wife, mother, and a member of the workforce. She had such enthusiasm for sign language and I recall her showing me how to communicate in sign language. May her soul rest in perfect peace. Dr. Valda Bettis Chijide, M. D.

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My she RIH. I remember visiting her home when I was on line. God be with her family.

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I remember Ernestine fondly as a colleague at the Alabama School for the Deaf. She not only educated our students intheacademics, but all those around her using humor to shine a bright light on the black experience. May Ernestine rest in peace and rise in glory, and may the hearts of her family and friends be lightened by their memories of this wonderful lady. Peggy Terrell Schmidt

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Family

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My sincere condolences and prayers to the Terrell Faniky. Ms. Terrell was indeed a great friend and Soror. She will be truly missed. Celeste Morgan-Russell.

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Very condolences to Terrell family and friends. I was student in ASD Rosemary Martin. I was in high school in freshman until senior year graduation. Class of 1988. Thank you for taught me learn more about black history, world history and social studies. She is very gentle, courage excellent teaching in class. Also thank you for sponsor me in ASD pageant. Sore miss y'all . Rest In Peace Mrs Ernestine Terrell

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I met Mrs. Terrell when I was adopted at age 10 by Ms. Fields. She was always an inspiration and a caring person to me. She will always be in my heart. Thank you daughters for sharimg her with me. Michael F. Cook88

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My deepest sympathy to the Terrell family. At the age of 15 they hired me to babysit their two daughters. When Mrs. Terrell would come she and would talk. I learned so much from her. Much 💘 and prayers to Hellenna and Lestrita Joanetta Easley Smith

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With my deepest sympathy to the family of Soror Terrell. A mother's loss is so profound to her children as she was your first love. Hold onto your memories and lessons learned from her. May God ease your pain each day. I was happy to have gotten to know her while at Talladega College and through our beloved AZ Chapter DST sorority. Lestrita,your 1980 line Sisters,"Delta's Classics" are praying for you and your family during this season of sorrow. Sisterly, Tannah Whitehead-Clark

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My apologies, forgot to sign my name. I'm the student from ASD. Cynthia (Edwards) Griffin

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My condolences to Mrs. Terrell's family. I was a student of hers at. ASD. She was a gentle, loving and true Christian. She had helped me through some hard times just by listening and giving me advices. While in her class I had heard her sing a few songs but the one that stuck with me was, "Sweet Chariot". Mrs. Terrell, your sweet chariot had came to carry you home.

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My deepest condolences and prayers goes to the family. Soror Terrell was a fun loving and beautiful spirited person. I learned and experienced a lot about Delta Sigma Theta because of her. She will truly be missed. Frances Baker Dates, Talladega County Alumnae Chapter.

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I am sorry for the lost of a great lady and my Soror Sister. She was a great lady to me and has truly been miss and will be missed. Dr. Cynthia W. Toles

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Wishing my sincere condolences to the Terrell family! I have fond memories of Mrs. Terrell going back to my childhood, as she was the first person I knew personally that was skilled in American Sign Language. I was amazed by her work with Deaf students at AIDB. I later in life met someone in the Atlanta area who went to AIDB, and he fondly remembered Mrs. Terrell. She also was my ride to school for a time, and that is when I got to know her kindness the most. She definitely was a major supporter of AZ Chapter of DST, which afforded me the opportunity to know her at a whole new level. Mrs. Terrell, thank you for all you poured into your family, our community, our sorority, and this world!!! Sincerely, Vicki Taylor Bass

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My condolences to the family of Mrs. Ernestine Terrell. She and her husband Herman were a delightful couple with which to be associated. They were very much involved in numerous educational and civic projects and programs, while they lived in Talladega. They were a gifted couple who delighted in sharing their knowledge, skills and expertise with the Talladega area communities. I will always have fond memories of times spent in their company. Charlie Varner, Jr., Montgomery, Alabama.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Terry’s Metropolitan Mortuary | Talladega, AL