Life Legacy

Loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ernestine Washington entered eternal rest on March 15th, 2017 in Las Cruces, NM at the age of 84. Ernestine was born on August 22, 1932 to Algie Wright and Serinna Pickens in Carter, Oklahoma; and her family was part of the first group of African Americans to relocate to New Mexico from the reservations of Oklahoma. After moving to New Mexico, Ernestine married Charlie Williams, with whom she had had three sons. After her marriage to Mr. Williams, Ernestine entered a union with George H. Washington, with whom she had four children. Her family relocated to Las Cruces, where Ernestine would work as a housekeeper providing comfort and delicious home-cooked meals for many years. Ernestine was the quintessential grandmother. She served her family as caretaker for many of her grandchildren and later, her great-grandchildren. Her home was always the central gathering place for family holidays, where everyone would look forward to her famous cornbread dressing and desserts. Ernestine's cooking and baking are her part of her legacy, and many of her children and grandchildren from all over the country would frequently call her to get copies of her recipes for Sweet Potato Pie, Rum Cake and many other cakes and pies for which she is warmly remembered. Even into her latter years, Ernestine never stopped raising children. She lent a helping hand and cared for each generation of children in her family. She will always be remembered as the unifying matriarch of her family. Ernestine is survived by her siblings Ben and Excel, children Ernest, Charlie, Priscilla, George Donald, and Rena; 29 grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren; and many loving extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother Serinna Pickens; father Algie Wright Sr.; sister Alzata; brother Algie; sons Leo Williams and Lester Washington; and grandson La Var Washington. A home going service is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 22nd at Getz funeral home with repast to follow. PDF Printable Version