Public Viewing: Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 11:30am, W.E. Lusain Funeral Home, 629 Goldwire Way SW, Birmingham, AL 35211.

Funeral Service: Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 12:30, W.E. Lusain Funeral Home, 629 Goldwire Way SW, Birmingham, AL 35211.

Ernestine Reed “Mama Stine” was born June 28, 1940 in Desota County, Mississippi to the late Mr. Andrew and Mrs. Luevenia Saulsberry. God deliberately shaped and formed Ernestine to serve Him in a spiritually profound way that made her unique and special beyond measure. She resided in Harvey, Illinois, until her passing on June 26, 2019 in Hoover, Alabama to move through the Celestial Gate to enter that bourne from which no traveler shall return.

Ernestine worked as an Educator for the Chicago Board of Education for 20+ years.She enjoyed bowling, singing in the senior’s choir, partaking in church plays, community and sorority involvement and other church activities.

She always kept a sense of humor and unconditional faith in God throughout her medical challenges. Her faith was a blessing to see in action. Ernestine was exceptionally quick-witted, resilient, and often joked around with family, friends and healthcare professionals despite her constant pain. Her close and intimate relationship with God was obvious each day. Ernestine didn’t know what tomorrow would hold, but she knew that God held tomorrow.

Ernestine leaves a loving family to cherish her precious memories and to carry on her legacy. (Daughter) Brenda (Willie) Pollock, Hoover, AL, (Grandchildren) Bridgette (Darnell) Jones, Hoover, AL, Anthony (Angelique) Pollock, Jacksonville, AL, (Sisters) Jo Ella (Peter) Milwaukee, WI, Kathie Jones of Southaven, MS. and a host of nieces and nephews, and other family members and friends in Illinois. Special recognition to nieces Joann Isom, Catherine Stewart, and Martha Woods; nephew Carl Smith, Pastor Alma West, and close friends Colonel (Retired) Cornelius & Mrs. Carolyn Gail Easter.

Ernestine was preceded in death by her son Alvin Reed, eleven siblings, Dorothy Ursey, Lucille Smith, Rosie Williams, Lillie Patterson, Emma Henson, Luvenia Hackett, Alice Collins, Stella Saulsberry, Thomas Saulsberry, George Saulsberry and Columbus Saulsberry.