Ernestine Robinson Terrell

Obituary For Ernestine Robinson Terrell

A homegoing celebration for Mrs. Ernestine Terrell of Talladega, 87, will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Jacobs Chapel CME Church. Elder Jerrell Hicks will deliver the eulogy. Entombment will be in Pine Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be Friday, June 11, 2021, from 1-8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. The Omega Omega service will be held at a later time.

Ernestine Robinson Terrell was born in Camden, Alabama in Wilcox County on May 10, 1934, to Nathaniel Robinson Sr. and Amanda Thompson Robinson. A son came soon after and the family moved to Mobile, Alabama to pursue better educational and economic opportunities. Ernestine attended private school at the family Immaculata School for Early Childhood Education. She was an outstanding basketball player during this time, which was a fact not known to many people. She transferred to Westfield High School for one year as a senior when the family moved to Birmingham, AL. There she met Herman L. Terrell whom would be her husband. Their union was blessed with a foster son, Elisha, and two daughters, Hellenna and Lestrita. She later welcomed a granddaughter, Amanda, who was the light of her life especially since Amanda was named after Ernestine’s mother.

Ernestine went on to attend and graduate from Alabama State University completing a degree in education. During her time in college, she was extremely popular and was elected Miss Freshman, Miss Sophomore, Miss Junior and Miss Senior. She was also for short time a model. She never stopped pursuing her education. Ernestine would later in the 1970s receive her master’s degree in special education from the University of Tennessee. Ernestine’s work life began as an executive assistant for the Gaylord Company, a prominent construction company in Birmingham, AL. There she learned to read blueprints, an unusual skill for the soon to be teacher. She would later in life use this skill to assist her daughter and son-in-law in building their dream home. Ernestine went on to work in the area of education and special education, having taught at the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind for over 30 years. She touched many young lives there. She was a wonderful co-worker and enjoyed her teaching career.

A devoted wife and mother, Ernestine supported the dreams and endeavors of her husband and children. She homeschooled her children in the 1960s and her granddaughter in the 2000s, a concept that was way ahead of its time. The success of all of them was due to her forward thinking.

Community service was an integral part of Ernestine’s life. She served on the boards of the Girl Scouts of America and the board of the Talladega City Library helping to fund and build a new library for the children of the city of Talladega. She worked with local pastors on the Black History Month programs and Head Start programs. She served at Jacobs Chapel CME Church as the director of the Christian Youth Fellowship, on the Board of Christian Education, Vacation Bible School, Missionary Society and Stewardess Board #1. She assisted with the development of the church’s prayer room as well. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. serving as chapter president, regional workgroup leader and charter member of the Talladega Alumnae Chapter. She received an award from the sorority for outstanding service and her status as a founding member.

Mother was a person who was involved in family, church, community, school and beyond, while touching the lives of so many young people.

When she saw an opportunity to get involved to make things better, she did not hesitate and we were all the better for it.

Mother loved gardening, cooking, sewing, reading (especially The USA Today), sports (her favorite was basketball) and spending time with family and friends. She loved to love people that was her specialty and she loved us.

She was preceded in death by her husband, father, mother, brother and Godson, Elisha.

Ernestine is survived by her two daughters, Lestrita (Donald-deceased) and Hellenna; granddaughter, Amanda; daughter-in-law, Genese; cousins (like brothers and sisters); and a host of relatives, students and dear friends. Her life reflects the words of the song “May the work I’ve done speak for me.”

Send flowers to the service of Ernestine Robinson Terrell

Honor the life of Ernestine Robinson Terrell

Add a Candle

Click a candle below to add a candle to your message.