Ernestine Lena Williams was born to Sam and Edith Williams on July 7, 1938. Ernestine was affectionately known as Ma Stine, Tine, and Nana, but to her most prize possession (her daughter) she was known as QUEEN.

Ernestine loved the Lord with all her heart. She had a prayer life like no other. If you came to her home you would see her prayer times listed on her door and she didn't mind letting you know if you interrupted her time with the Lord. Ernestine believed prayer could go where the physical body couldn't. She kept a scripture on her lips and the word of God was embedded in her soul. Even through her two year battle with Cancer she would still give God glory because He was and is the author and finisher of her faith. Ma Stine meant heaven all the way. Yes Ernestine lived a sanctified life but she also had a humorous side. Her sense of humor would make you forget about whatever you were going through and her smile and laughter was IMPECCABLE. When it came to souls being saved she didn't play NO GAMES.. She would say Heaven is real and Hell is too.. I hope your  soul is right because I will go to heaven without you!

Ernestine will be missed by her family and friends but especially by her one and only child Camellia "Princess" as she affectionately called her. Ernestine adored her daughter. Their bond was SOLID. If you knew them you would truly understand. Family was important to her and let's not forget how she loved  all her siblings.

Ernestine is a member of the Queenettes sharing their ministry of music throughout the city.   She joined St. James AME Church, Ministering through music singing with the Inspirational Choir.

At St. James she developed special relationships with Ms. Sylvia Hoskins, Ms. Irene Allen, Ms. Mynra Williams and many more.

Her employment career gave her many opportunities, retiring from Baptist Hospital where she worked in Central Service Supply for 15 years until she ruptured a disk in her back.

She leaves to carry on her legacy and spiritual thirst for living for Jesus her beloved daughter Camellia Kandy Williams and Camellia's Fiance' Patrick Livingston, two remaining sisters Clarice Woods and Mary F. Williams. Camellia's Covenant Godparents Raiford and Arneita Hairston.  A devoted niece Rosetta (Ervin) Kirkpatrick, two God-daughters, Trina (Sean) Sampson and Natisha Barrow, her BEST Girlfriends Alice (Miller) Allen and Bernice (Theartis) Dunlap and a plethora of nieces, nephews, and spiritual children, including Will and Valerie Jones.

Remembering with so much LOVE and affection for her brother and sisters who preceded her in death are Sam "Curly" Williams Jr,  Harry "Hippy" Williams, Lillie Mae Nicholson, Lucille "Chick" Johnson, and Barbara Ann Howard (a neice who was raised as a sister).

Cancer DIDN'T win, the Devil didn't either because VICTORY belongs to the children of GOD.. and because Ernestine was a child of the MOST HIGH GOD October 2 @ 5:40pm God gave her THE VICTORY!!!!!

A homegoing celebration will be held 1:00 pm Tuesday October 8, 2019 at St. James AME Church, 1501 N. Patterson Avenue Winston-Salem, NC 27105. The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm-1:00 pm at the church. Interment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Gardens.