Earnestine Ray was born on June 25, 1950, in Blytheville, Arkansas to Ms. Odessa Ray. She was raised by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Calvin and Nettie Ray, as well as her grandfather’s second wife, Mrs. Florence Ray.
Earnestine confessed a hope in Christ and served the church in a multitude of capacities. Beginning her spiritual journey at Nehemiah Temple COGIC in Blytheville, she later united with Promiseland COGIC with the Moore’s, a family she had grown to love as her own. In her role on the Board of Trustees and every other spiritual alliance, she served with true sincerity, devotion, and love, becoming an asset to the congregation and community.
Early in life, a meaningful relationship full of genuine connection was established between Earnestine and the Moore family. With open arms and full hearts, they welcomed her not as a guest, but as one of their own—forever part of the family. Earnestine, Mother Moore, and Precious became inseparable, together at every adventure and event. Their bond, rooted in love and loyalty, grew into a lifelong sisterhood that time could never diminish.
Earnestine is preceded in death by her biological parents and grandparents, as well as her adopted parents, Elder John and Mrs. Hettie Moore. Also preceding her in death are her biological brothers, Curtis Sumler and Alfred Holiday, as well as her adopted brothers, Julius Moore, Frederick Moore, and Benjamin Moore in addition to her biological sister, Diane Morrison. God saw fit for Earnestine to enter eternal rest on her seventy-fifth birthday, passing away June 25th of 2025. Though she has departed this life, her legacy of love, faith, and angelic smile will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Everlasting memories are cherished by those whom she leaves including her biological brother, Dennis (Emma) Morrison of Saginaw, MI; adopted brothers, Elder Johnny (Anita) Moore of Blytheville, AR and Norvel Moore of Marietta, GA; biological sisters, Ruth Ann Morrison of Saginaw, MI and Brenda Morrison-Coleman of Grand Rapids, MI; adopted sisters Precious Moore and Carol Washington both of Blytheville, AR and Alfeda (Emos) Parham Aurora, CO; one aunt Katherine (William) Larde of Blytheville, AR , beloved nieces and devoted nephews; and a host of other family and friends.
Exequies for the life of Ms. Earnestine Ray will be held at Promiseland COGIC, 2141 South US Hwy 61 Osceola, Arkansas on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Visitation services will begin at 10 a.m. with funeral services beginning promptly at 12 noon. Internment will occur at Dogwood Cemetery in Blytheville directly after the funeral service.
Expressions of condolence to the family can be made at mhfuneralhomeinc.com or on the McDonald-Horne Funeral Home Facebook page.
Sharing the lost of Earnestine with family and friends. Remembering growing up with Earnestine and friends at Nehemiah Temple, those were the best of times.
Earnestine was a wonderful friend, and I will miss her. We share many memories from ANC. She possessed a calm and loving spirit.
God bless the family, my classmate from Richard B. Harrison High will be missed but remembered
I worked with Ms Ray at Cotton Boll Technical Institute. And loved her dearly. She will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. May our Lord of peace and comfort be with you. The Davis Stanton Family Marquietta Davis Saginaw, Michigan
Sincere condolences.
Sincere condolences.
Sister Earnestine..! Wow!! We gonna miss you girl. 🥹❤️🎈
Family, you're in my prayers during your time of bereavement.
This truly saddens me to say goodbye to Ernestine. She would always check on me after the passing of my son, Byron and her sister, Diane. She was such an inspiration to all. Take your rest until God elevate you to your status. Loved you much!!!!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.