ForeverMissed
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The memorial service was streamed on 4/13, 2020 and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zwSUhHYoFU&feature=emb_title

  
Obituary

Earnest Maiden, Sr. was born on December 25th, 1941 in Faunsdale, Alabama. Raised by the late Lun and Lela Taylor, he was led to confess his hope in Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.The family later moved to Birmingham, Alabama where they joined Morning Star Baptist Church. In his later years Earnest Sr, became a member of New Pilgrim Baptist Church where his name still resides on the roll.

Earnest Sr. lived a fruitful and productive life. He attended Ullman High School and Knoxville College. On July 7, 1964, he was drafted into the Army where he served his country dutifully. Earnest Sr., worked for the United States Postal Service for 41 years while continuing to serve in the Air Force Reserve until his retirement in 2001. He was an advocate for his community, a lover of his many friends, and an avid gardener.

Earnest Sr. was joined in holy matrimony to Bettye Boykin, on October 14, 1967. To this union of 52 years three children were born: Earnest Maiden Jr. (Delphine), Stephanie Victoria Maiden-Denson (Winfred) and Benjamin Lance Maiden. Earnest Sr. was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He leaves to cherish his memories: 5 loving grandchildren: Christen Channing, Sydney, Preston, Heidi,  and 1 great grandchild: Justin; 3 Aunts: Amanda Phillips of Great Neck, New York, Clearease Morton of Birmingham, Alabama, and Barbara Cook (James), Flint, Michigan. Sister and Brother in-laws: Patricia Hyde (Henry), San Diego, California; Cheryl Moore (Sidney), Fairfield, Alabama; Andre Boykin (Charlotte), Huntsville, Alabama and Felicia Burks (Douglas), Ellenwood, Georgia; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Order of Service

Opening Prayer
Reading of Scripture        Delphine Maiden
Obituary Reading                          (Silently)
Reflections                   Earnest Maiden, Jr.
Eulogy                Rev. Dr. James H. Brooks
                                        New Pilgrim MBC
Benediction

You Meant So Much

By Cassie Mitchell

You meant so much to all of us, You were special and that’s no lie

You brightened up the darkest day, And the cloudiest sky

Your smile alone warmed hearts, Your laugh was like music to hear

I would give absolutely anything, To have you well and standing near

Not a second passes, When you’re not on our minds

Your love we will never forget, The hurt will ease in time

Many tears I have seen and cried, They have all poured out like rain

I know that you are happy now, And no longer in any pain



Acknowledgement

The Family of Earnest Maiden Sr. expresses sincere gratitude for all prayers, calls, visits and other acts of kindness during the passing of our dear loved one. May GOD continue to BLESS each one of you and thank you again for your support.




April 30, 2020
April 30, 2020
No greater friend has anyone ever had than the friendship that Earnest and I enjoyed. We were friends for 65 years. Growing up we were always together. We shared each others joys, successes, disappointments and life experiences.
When I heard of his death my whole body went numb. I can only thank God for bringing us together and letting us be life long friends. As he loved flowers, know that he is now a flower in the garden of heaven. 
April 14, 2020
April 14, 2020
Our condolences to your family. Praying for comfort and peace in Jesus name.
With love,
Wendy Trannon(Marshall)
Courtney Marshall
Ursula Gassaway (Barnett)
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
I will never forget Carl Pack Earnest and Henry Gibson would have me cook PIG EARS and they would make pig ear sandwiches with mustard sauerkraut and hot sauce. at least once a month. Earnest you will truly be missed. Love you!
Carl and Mozella Pack❤
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. My prayers are with you and the family of Earnest Maiden. There is no sorrow that heaven cannot heal!
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
Dear Cousins, My family and I are sending our love, prayers and our deepest condolences to all of you from Columbus, OH. Bud will be dearly missed.
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
Bud as we of the Sherman Heights community Called you was one of a kind kinda of guy always a smile , a pleasing personality, friendly and loving man God has has gotten a good shepherd in his flock may you RIH forever your family Kris
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
To my sweet cousins, Bettye, Earnest, Stephanie and Ben and to the Maiden and Boykin Families, there are no words to adequately express the grief you may be feeling. Please know that we are praying with you and for you during this difficult time. May the wonderful memories you have of Ernest be a source of comfort in the days to come. I love you guys!!!
April 12, 2020
April 12, 2020
Sending my deepest condolences to Mrs. Maiden, Earnest, Stephanie and Ben. Earnest - After 30 years of hearing you talk about your dad, this seems surreal. I am praying for your strength during this most difficult time. May God bless you and keep you. Rest in Peace – Mr. Maiden
April 12, 2020
April 12, 2020
It was one of our great honors to serve with MSgt Maiden. A man of honor, integrity and kindness.  He hit the last Sheep Dog in Slapout. He will be remembered and missed.
Betty and H
April 12, 2020
April 12, 2020
Sending heartfelt prayers to the Maiden family.      "Kid" was one of the first acquaintances I made when I started the USPS. I am compelled to acknowledge that I've rarely encountered the magnitude of kindness and generosity he always displayed. I feel Blessed to have had an opportunity to engage with him at a wedding ceremony in February. A wonderful memory that will live in my heart forever!!! RIP KID (Albright)
April 12, 2020
April 12, 2020
Prayers and condolences to the Sis. Bettye and the entire Maiden family.  Yours in Christ, Shirley C. Miller and family( New Pilgrim Baptist Church)
April 12, 2020
April 12, 2020
Condolences to the Maiden family and friends from Kurt and Brook Nichols.
April 12, 2020
April 12, 2020
Uncle Earnest, you were The Rock In all of our lives. You will be missed.

The Maiden Family, may The Peace of God surround you, and cover you in your time of need.

In Jesus Name,
Rod, Zsa, Veronica, and John Boykin
April 12, 2020
April 12, 2020
I have so many fond memories of Ernest. He and his family lived in the same community as my mom. My mom loved and respected him. He always took time to talk with her and listen to words of wisdom she would share. As a flight nurse, I had the privilege and pleasure of working with him for over 20 years in the 35th AEF later to become 35th AES. The ideal medical crew for a flight nurse was to have Buffalo soldier medical technicians. We trained hard, preparing for aeromedical flights. After the training there was always time for a party. We had so much fun. At the party there was always lots of beer (specifically Budweiser beer). His motto to good beer, was to make sure it was cold. Because of his love for beer, he affectionately was called "Bud". Bud was a man who appreciated a nice truck. He would let you ride with him, but he was quick to remind you that you could not haul a variety of "stuff" in the bed of his truck. He loved his family. We frequently swapped tales and stories about our parents, spouse and children. The more beer we drank the longer were the tales and stories. He had a sense of humor that always made you laugh. He never accepted the name for my son, always jokingly calling him "Buster". I encourage the many friends and family to cherish the memories you have of him. In the words of General MacArthur, " Old soldiers never die, they just fade away."
Lt. Col (R) Janice F. Chiles
April 12, 2020
April 12, 2020
When I heard that You had passed. I was only sad for a moment. Because I knew You were home with our family. Please give Eunice , my mom a kiss for me. Till we shall meet again♥️
April 12, 2020
April 12, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Maiden family. I will miss Earnest as a Sunday School member in Mother Barber's class. We sat at the same table.
God Bless you and keep you.
April 12, 2020
April 12, 2020
It is with a sad heart that we express our condolences for our beloved cousin "Bud." Our memories of his Demopolis/Gallion visits will be forever etched in the minds of us who had the pleasure of being in the presences of his gentle spirit. Though we are saddened by his unexpected transition, we have hope! For we know that Bud is not dead, but asleep. And, we as believers know we will see Bud, Honey, and Lun again someday. Rest well Bud!

The Barley Family
April 11, 2020
April 11, 2020
My Heartfelt Condolences To Cousins Bettye, Earnest Jr., Stephanie, Benjamin, And Our Entire Family. 
Earnest Sr. Was Truly Humble, Wise, Caring, And The Epitome Of A Loving Husband And Father. We Thank God For His Service To His Country And Allowing Him To Be A Part Of Each Our Lives. We Will Truly Miss Him As We Find Comfort In Knowing That He Is With God!

God Bless, Keep, And Comfort Each Of You During This Difficult Time.
April 11, 2020
April 11, 2020
My sincere condolences for your loss. May the wonderful memories you shared with your loved one linger forever in your hearts and minds.

Carmen
April 11, 2020
April 11, 2020
I never had the pleasure to meet Mr.Maiden Sr. but I was a friend to his son Ben so I never had pleasure to tell him what a great man he raised I always admired the relationship Ben had with his father as well as the amazing marriage he had as well I always aspired to have a love like that. I am here and praying for the Maiden family.
April 11, 2020
April 11, 2020
There are no words to assuage the grief of the loss of such a husband, father, grandfather, comrade, friend, and neighbor. I pray that the love he left in all the lives that he gladdened may find peace in the knowledge that he now rests with our Lord. 
April 11, 2020
April 11, 2020
Earnest Maiden affectionately known as “cousin Bud” will be missed dearly.
Cousin Bud left me the gift(s) of memories and they are gifts that I can open over and over again!
The most precious gift was his example of love for his family; all his family.
Be encouraged family. According to Gods word, their will be a great big family reunion one day......I Thessalonians 4: 16-18
April 11, 2020
April 11, 2020
Sgt Maiden was the best mentor I ever had! He ensured that we knew what we were supposed to know in the military as well as in life in general. When I lost my father, then failed my first check-ride, Sgt Maiden took me to the side and let me know that it was going to be alright. I was ready to quit, but Sgt Maiden, in his kind, gentle way, encouraged me to keep going and not let this stand in my way of being the great med tech he knew I was going to be.

Hearing that he was found in his garden made me smile knowing that he took his last breath doing the thing he loved doing. Rest well Sir.
April 11, 2020
April 11, 2020
I had the pleasure of working with Earnest in the USAFR Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. I flew training missions with him and deployed with him during Desert Storm. I was a fulltime ART at the unit so I was familiar with all the members over the years. All the years I worked with Earnest, I never saw him lose his temper, raise his voice, or say an unkind word to anybody. He always had a smile for you and worked hard while encouraging younger members. He gave great advice on child rearing as I had two rambunctious kids who always caused some sort of drama for their babysitters. He made the best fruit cake-ever! I am blessed to have known him and his precious wife. I pray the Lord Jesus wraps you in His comforting arms and gives you the peace that passes all understanding.
April 11, 2020
April 11, 2020
EARNEST WAS AS GOOD A FRIEND AS ANY PERSON COULD WANT. WHEN I BECAME THE NCOIC OF THE AIR CREWS I ASKED HIM TO BE MY ASSISTANT, HE ACCEPTED AND WE BECAME A TEAM. WE NEVER HAD A CROSS WORD AND WE WORKED SIDE BY SIDE TO GET THE JOB DONE. I WILL MISS HIM AND I KNOW WE WILL MEET UP AGAIN. REST IN PEACE EARNEST UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.
April 11, 2020
April 11, 2020
I'm so sorry for the loss of a great Father husband and man. Mr. Maiden treated us like family whenever we were around I always remember being greeted with a smile and sometimes privy to some wisdom and the best soup I ever had in my life. His family is a testimony to his goodness. Thank you Maiden family for sharing him with us I pray that Gods peace rest upon you all and keeps you in the days to come. I love you guys, Ben, Stefanie, Earnest and Mrs Maiden

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Recent Tributes
April 30, 2020
April 30, 2020
No greater friend has anyone ever had than the friendship that Earnest and I enjoyed. We were friends for 65 years. Growing up we were always together. We shared each others joys, successes, disappointments and life experiences.
When I heard of his death my whole body went numb. I can only thank God for bringing us together and letting us be life long friends. As he loved flowers, know that he is now a flower in the garden of heaven. 
April 14, 2020
April 14, 2020
Our condolences to your family. Praying for comfort and peace in Jesus name.
With love,
Wendy Trannon(Marshall)
Courtney Marshall
Ursula Gassaway (Barnett)
April 13, 2020
April 13, 2020
I will never forget Carl Pack Earnest and Henry Gibson would have me cook PIG EARS and they would make pig ear sandwiches with mustard sauerkraut and hot sauce. at least once a month. Earnest you will truly be missed. Love you!
Carl and Mozella Pack❤
His Life
April 11, 2020
Earnest Maiden Sr. was born on December 25th, 1941 in Faunsdale, Alabama. Raised by the late Lun and Lela Taylor, he was led to confess his hope in Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.The family later moved to Birmingham, Alabama where they joined Morning Star Baptist Church. In his later years Earnest Sr, became a member of New Pilgrim Baptist Church where his name still resides on the roll.

Earnest Sr. lived a fruitful and productive life.He attended Ullman High School and Knoxville College.On July 7, 1964, he was drafted into the Army where he served his country dutifully. Earnest Sr., worked for the United States Postal Service for 41 years while continuing to serve in the Air Force Reserve until his retirement in 2001. He was an advocate for his community, a lover of his many friends, and an avid gardener.

Earnest Sr. was joined in holy matrimony to Bettye Boykin, on October 14, 1967. To this union of 52 years three children were born: Earnest Maiden Jr. (Delphine), Stephanie Victoria Maiden-Denson (Winfred) and Benjamin Lance Maiden.Earnest Sr. was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He leaves to cherish his memories: 5 loving grandchildren: Christen Channing, Sydney, Preston, Heidi and1 great grandchild: Justin. 3 Aunts: Amanda Phillips, Great Neck, New York; Clearease Morton, Birmingham, Alabama and Barbara Cook (James), Flint, Michigan. Sister and Brother in-laws: Patricia Hyde (Henry), San Diego, California; Cheryl Moore (Sidney), Fairfield, Alabama; Andre Boykin (Charlotte), Huntsville, Alabama and Felicia Burks (Douglas), Ellenwood, Georgia; as well as a host of other family and friends.
Recent stories

Our Forever Neighbor

April 13, 2020
We were so saddened to hear about the passing of “our forever neighbor, Maiden(Ernest).  His first name is in parentheses because he was known and called Maiden by us.  Some of my family’s fondest memories include being neighbors with the Maiden Family, such as “the annual neighborhood block parties” and his “famous barbecue source.”  Being his next door neighbor made us feel as though we had a safety net.  I remember when I needed a ride to work and Maiden was there; our yard was mowed by Maiden; and when I ran for Judge, my sign was in his yard.  Although now, we are miles apart and don’t talk as often, he will truly be missed by the Ross Family. We love him and thank him for his kindness shown to us.

Game Changer

April 11, 2020
Over 23 years ago I was an active drug addict. Earnest “Cousin Bud” was visiting my mom (his 1st cousin) and I happened to be there.  My mom asked him to talk to me about the destructive path I was on. Earnest simple instructions to me were “consider your mother”.
He was simple saying; stop being selfish, you are affecting the one that loves you.
He was ministering to me out of “his strength” a love for family. 
I’ve been COMPLETELY drug free for almost 25 years and Earnest Maiden Sr. has some stake in my recovery!
Much Love to:
Betty, Earnest Jr., Stephanie and Ben 
April 11, 2020
Maiden,

Hearing the news that you were no longer with us was the saddest and most hurtful news ever! Since I was around eight years old, every Sunday and many Saturdays you would come to visit my dad (Leon Parson). You were a brother to my dad and an uncle to my sister Cassetta and me. It was so funny when you knocked at the door. We would scramble all of our things up in the den so you could sit and be entertained in a clean room before you walked in. Lol.. We won't get to do that anymore.  :-(
You were a major part of our family. Many times my dad would take us to visit you and your family. You were always there for our kids, as well as, our special occasions, graduations etc.. And spared no expense on the gifts he gave us all.  You were the last person to see Cassetta alive April of 2018. Now we lose you April 2020. Please let Cassetta know we miss her!

Maiden, you will forever be inour hearts! I will miss seeing you when I come home to visit.

Rest In Peace Beautiful Soul! 

Lynette

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