Earnestine Sudds, age 88, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on
Sunday, March 8, 2026. She was the beloved daughter and fifth child born to the union
of Jeffrey Sudds, Sr. and Roberdia Whitaker Sudds in Mansfield, Louisiana on April 28,
1937.
She was a pillar of strength and generosity dedicating her life career to the growth and
development of young students serving as an educator in the Caddo Parish Schools
fostering and mentoring the minds of students in the area of Science at Union High
School, Linwood Middle School and J. S. Clark Middle School before her retirement
after 33 years. Earnestine pursued her passion for education with determination,
earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Southern University in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana and later attaining an MA in Education with an emphasis in science from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. Over the years, she attained a certificate as School Principal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Visiting Teacher, Parish/City School Supervisor. Additional study included the University of CO, University of Denver, University of MO, University of Western Carolina, Jackson State University, University of Santa Clara and LSU.
Along with her career in education, she was actively involved in the community and professionally. Having lifetime memberships in Southern University Alumni Education Association, the National Education Association, LA Association of Educators, Phi Delta
Kappa, 1000 Woman Organization, Krewe of Nile (Queen Nile II) Mardi Gras Association, State and Local Retired Teacher Organization, Caddo Parish
Commissioner. She was also a member of the Caddo Board Retired Teachers Association, CAE, New Arts Cultural Society (Guild), New Dimension Choral Society, and Commissioner of Voters: all providing support to education, various charities and
promoting economic growth.
Faith was the cornerstone of her life having united and was baptized at an early age at
New Eastside Baptist Church in Mansfield. There, she remained an active servant over
the years as Assistant Church Announcer (always with a funny uplifting message), choir
member, and chairperson of various church programs under the ministry of Pastor
Nathaniel Morris until the Lord called her home. She carried a spiritual legacy passed
down through generations.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents and siblings: Jeffrey Sudds, Jr.,
Reverend Dr. Frances Juanita Sudds Fox, Dr. Hurfrey Sudds, and Birdia Ruth Sudds
Marsh. She also leaves behind a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all of whom were touched by her spirit and strengthened by her love.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 16 from 2:00-6:00 PM at Jenkins Funeral Home, 601 Franklin St. in Mansfield. A Celebration of Life will be held, also, at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, March 17 at 11:00 AM. Earnestine will be laid to
rest at Union Cemetery, Gibbs Street and Old Jefferson Hwy in Mansfield.
Our hearts will forever carry her memory.