Mary Ernestine (Jackson) Poteat, affectionately called Ernestine by her family, was born to the late Pearl (Williams) and Garfield Jackson in Kingston, New York. Shortly after her birth, the family decided to move back south to Roxboro, North Carolina, where the family of four would establish their routes and continue to grow their family.

Mary, being the oldest daughter of what would eventually become 11 siblings in total, had the responsibility of preparing their meals very early in life, among other chores to care for her siblings. You can say her passion for cooking began early, which became a part of her ministry.

In high school, Mary worked in a popular Roxboro diner where she met her future mother-in-law, Beatrice Poteat. Mrs. B, as she was known, really liked Mary and wanted her to meet her “fourth boy”. Unbeknownst to Mrs. B, Mary would meet the love of her life in the high school she and the “fourth boy” shared. Mary and Woodrow became friends and then began to date in their junior year. Immediately after high school, Woodrow joined the military, the Army. While Woodrow was off to war, Mary decided to move to Harrisburg, PA in 1968, leaving her Roxboro home for more opportunities. Upon Woodrow’s return, he proposed to Mary and the two married in 1970. The two were together for 60 years and married for 55 of those years, celebrating their 55th anniversary on November 6, 2025.

Mary really enjoyed working. When she first came to Harrisburg, she worked with her family at the Wilkerson Diner; grateful to her family in allowing her to earn her way. She would hold different jobs before finding her niche as a Business Analyst at Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield. There she assisted customers with health insurance. Mary would work for the company for over 30 years until she retired in 2010.

In 1973, Mary and Woodrow had their first born, Woodrow Madeira Poteat. A few years later, they had their second born, Nzinga A. (Poteat) Hill. Then they had their third and last-born Lawanza L. (Poteat) Ware.

Mary had a vast ministry! Her ministry led her to so many auxiliaries such as the Sunshine Band, Vacation Bible School, the Voices for Christ, the Mount Calvary Mass Choir… too many to name them all! Her passion was to ensure the next generation knew who God is and that she did!

The Bible was Mary’s guide through life. She was a prayer warrior and she clung to God’s unchanging promise of everlasting life. Psalms 91:1-4 reads, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God in Him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

To know Mary was to know a beautiful spirit. In her life, God was everything! The love of her family was one of her greatest joys. If you really knew Mary, you know she loved to laugh. Laughter was her healer and she often reminded us of being called a Silly Woman! She laughed at everything, mainly herself. She never took herself too seriously. She had such a welcoming spirit. She greeted you with a smile first and a hug second. She was gracious. She gave even when she did not have to give. She gave of herself to the very end, concerned with others before caring for herself.

Mary was called to her eternal rest on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Mary could often be heard saying “I believe God will”.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and Garfield Jackson; her in-laws, Beatrice and Frank Poteat; her son, Woodrow Madeira Poteat; her brother, Larry Jackson and her brothers-in-law, Frank Poteat and Roy Poteat.

Mary is survived by her husband, Woodrow; her two daughters, Nzinga (Christopher) Hill of Edgewater, FL and Lawanza (Samuel – who she affectionately called Rock Star) Ware of Camp Hill, PA; nine siblings, Garfield (Arnetta) Jackson, Jr., Lillie (Ken) Sanders, Stephen Jackson, Laverne Jackson, Sheila (David) Royal, Charles (Mamie) Jackson, Anthony (Christine) Jackson, Velma Jackson, Thomas (Quifang Ma) Jackson; 10 siblings through marriage – Willie Gene Poteat, Lewell (Kelly) Poteat, Shirley Poteat, Sadie Poteat, Carrie Sue Butler, Jerry Poteat, Wayne Poteat, Bertha Eastwood, Barry (Marie) Poteat, Alexander (Valarie) Poteat; two aunts, Magdalene Ragland and Helen Jones; six grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and so many friends.

Please continue to keep this family lifted up in prayer!

Her life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025 in the Sanctuary of Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ, 1830 N. 5th Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.