On Wednesday morning, September 30, 2026, Ernestine peacefully departed this earthly life and entered her eternal home in Heaven, at the age of 93. She was at the loving home of her daughter and son-in-law, under the care of Hospice.

Mrs. Ernestine Spencer Coble, lovingly known as “Tennie” to her family, friends, and community, was born on September 13, 1933, in Randolph County, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Victoria Harshaw Spencer and late Wyatt Spencer who precedes her in death.

Ernestine is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, James Lewis Coble. Siblings: Viola S. Greene, Mary S. Robinson, J.O. Spencer, Philip Spencer, John Wesley Spencer, Monroe Spencer, Billy Lee Spencer, and Clarence Spencer.

Ernestine was a woman of faith, compassion, service, and unwavering dedication to her family, church, and community. She lived a life marked by love, generosity, and a genuine desire to help others.

Ernestine attended Randolph Training School in Asheboro, North Carolina. In 1969, she graduated from Randolph Community College, where she earned her diploma in Practical Nursing. Following graduation, she began her nursing career at Randolph Hospital, where she faithfully served for 10 years.

After her years at Randolph Hospital, Ernestine continued her nursing career at the Brian Center, where she served for another 10 years. She later joined Crossroads Retirement Community, where she helped open the facility and played an important role in enrolling residents. She faithfully served there for 11 years as the Director of Nursing.

Throughout her nursing career, Ernestine demonstrated exceptional compassion, leadership, dedication, and genuine concern for every person entrusted to her care. Nursing was not simply a profession for her—it was an extension of the heart of a woman who loved people and desired to make a difference in their lives.

Her commitment to serving others extended far beyond her professional career. Ernestine was a devoted member of the NAACP and actively served her community in many ways. She volunteered at the soup kitchen, provided private-duty nursing, and helped distribute food plates donated by the Methodist Church. She distributed grocery bags to families and individuals in need and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

She and her husband also donated land to GWCC, leaving a lasting contribution to the community.

Ernestine went out of her way to remember others. She had a special place in her heart for veterans. On Veterans Day and Memorial Day, she helped place flags on the graves of veterans. She also traveled around to make sure flowers were placed on family members’ graves for Mother’s and Father’s Day.

Ernestine was also known for the love she shared from her kitchen. Her family and friends will fondly remember her famous honey bun cake, old-fashioned chocolate cake, and especially her delicious persimmon pudding. Her cooking was more than preparing food—it was one of the many ways she expressed love, hospitality, generosity, and care. If you were blessed enough to eat something prepared by Tennie, you knew it was made with love.

Most importantly, Deaconess Ernestine Spencer Coble was a woman who loved the Lord and faithfully served her church.

She was a devoted member of Harshaw Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she diligently worked in ministry. Throughout the years, she served as Superintendent of Sunday School, a member of the Missionary Department, Gospel Choir, Pastor’s Aid, Midweek Bible Study Committee, and Outreach Ministry. She also faithfully served as a Deaconess.

Her life was a testimony of what it means to serve God by serving people. Whether she was caring for patients, feeding the hungry, helping families in need, honoring veterans, supporting her community, preparing a meal, or working in the church, Ernestine gave of herself freely and faithfully.

She did not simply talk about service—she lived it.

She did not simply say she loved people—she showed it.

And she did not simply profess her faith—she demonstrated it through her life.

Ernestine leaves to cherish her precious memory her beloved daughter, Vicky Brown (Bobby) of Asheboro; granddaughter, Ashlee Spencer (Isaac) of Randleman; one brother, Woodie Smith of Randleman; four great-grandchildren: Kayden, Jamison, Nairobi, and Malachi Spencer; brother-in law, William Poole of Asheboro, and sister-in-law, Susie Coble of High Point, along with a host of godchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, church family and friends. She was a “Second Mother” to many who knew her.

Each person who knew Ernestine carries a special memory of her—a story, a meal, a word of encouragement, an act of kindness, or simply the warmth of her presence.

She will be remembered for her warm heart, generous spirit, strong work ethic, love for people, commitment to her community, dedication to her family, and above all, her love for God.

Deaconess Ernestine Spencer Coble’s earthly service has ended, but the legacy she built through a lifetime of faith, love, compassion, and service will continue through the many lives she touched. Though she has closed her eyes in this life, the seeds she planted will continue to grow.

Jesus spoke these words to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”

Matthew 25:21

Funeral service will be held Friday, October 9, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Harshaw Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 3840 Bowman Avenue, Randleman, NC. Interment will follow at Randolph Memorial Park, Asheboro, NC. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. On Thursday, October 8, 2026, Mrs. Coble may be viewed from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the church.