Earnestine Gertman was born on May 9th, 1961, to the late Rebecca and Aaron Miller of Quitman, Georgia. She was educated in the Brooks County School system where she received her diploma in 1980. From there, she entered the workforce; starting at the local manufacturing plants such as Quitman Manufacturing and Ithaca. In 1995, she entered intoholy matrimony to Mathew Gertman.
In 1999, she was employed at Children First Day Care and Learning Center where she enjoyed teaching and caring for young kids for over 10 years. In 2019, she started working at the Presbyterian Home and Retirement in Quitman, Georgia until her passing.
Earnestine loved life. She cherished time with her family and friends. She shared countless moments of memories filled with laughter and love. She was devoted to her family, especially her children and grandchildren, ensuring they had everything they needed. Her unconditional love and support were the cornerstone of her life.
On February 1st, 2025, God called her home to her eternal resting place. She was preceded in death by her sister Shirley Horton and brothers John Golden and Edward Miller.
She leaves behind to mourn, her husband Mathew Gertman, Quitman, GA; three wonderful, devoted children Ashley Baynard (Chris), Kevin Hatchett (Dana) both of Valdosta, GA,Kendrick Hatchett (Demetria), Winterhaven, FL; five loving grandchildren, Keriaunna, Camilla, GA, Lil Kendrick, Winterhaven, FL, Arianna and Kamara both of Valdosta, GA;two loving sisters Mary Smith, Valdosta, GA, Beverly Little (Joseph), St. Petersburg, FL; one loving sister-in-law Patricia Golden, Quitman, GA; six wonderful brothers Frank Golden (Minerva), William Golden (Denise) Howard Golden, Sr. (Pinkie), Richard Golden (Andrea), Willie James Golden (Patricia) Aaron Miller and a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, February 7, 2025 at the Stevens-McGhee chapel from 6PM-7PM.
A celebration of life will be Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 3PM at Shumate Church of Christ. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visit this website or our Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home Facebook page to view a livestream of the celebration.
Continue to pray along with the family during this trying time.
I will miss you honey. Don't worry about Ashley you know my daughter and I got her and the baby. Take your well deserved rest in the arms of the Lord. We will always love you.
Our condolences to the family.
Ricky and Devris Arnold
Auntie you will truly be missed so much by your nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters. Lord knows wasn't ready for you to leave us but God knew that you were ready to come to his heavenly kingdom.no more pain and suffering. Time on earth was beautiful spent with family and friends. We love you and miss you always. We definitely got our cousins take your rest now auntie.
May u rest in peace ur nephew inlaw James Rogers
I miss you u dearly auntie and ur laughter love you always love ur niece lisa
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