Ernestine Rouls, 90, of San Antonio, Texas, and formerly of Rockford, Illinois, departed her earthly life in the early hours of Thursday, May 2, 2024. Ernestine was born on August 26, 1933, in Rison, Arkansas, to Dutch Davis and Hattie (Joe “Pap”) Releford. She attended Lanwood High School in Rison, Arkansas. She went on to be a highly gifted hairdresser in Arkansas, Illinois, and even Germany. She showed her talents in many salons throughout her years, including Seminary Hair Fashions, and teaching at a beauty school in Rockford. She practiced her gift until she was in her mid-seventies.
Ernestine loved her Lord, and made sure to share His words whenever she had the chance. She started the morning and ended each night reading the Bible. She was a devoted and beloved member at Providence Baptist Church of Rockford. Ernestine was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She had the biggest heart, and was so giving in each opportunity she had to serve others. She was a loving and compassionate person who was loved and appreciated by everyone who was blessed to know her. Ernestine was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.
Ernestine is survived by her children, Barbara (James) Ivey, Suzette (Clifford) Porter, Lawrence Rouls Jr., and Marcus Rouls; grandchildren, Cristina Conway, Arnold Ivey, Charmaine Modica, Ramario Lee Simmons, Aris K. Llerena, Naomi K. Llerena, Orlawna K. Randazzo, Orlonzo Kurtis Rouls, and Kane Mason Butler; great-grandchildren, Frank (Jasmine) Conway, Giovanni Ivey, Cristiaan Jackson, Bryant Ivey, Deon Whiteside, Quintin Jackson, Jalen Whiteside, Michael Ivey, Mykalia Ivey, Xavier Ivey, Avery Modica, Amir Modica, Amber Modica, Rahj Otunga-Simmons, Shay Llerena, Abrielle Simmons, and Sofia Randazzo; great-great-grandchildren, Zayden Conway, Zamir Conway, and Zanyla Conway; sisters, Shirley Henry of Arkansas, and Vernetta Carver of Michigan; a host of nieces and nephews.
Ernestine was preceded in death by the father of her children, Lawrence Rouls Sr.; granddaughter, who she will be laid to rest next to, Daniela Ivey; siblings, Oscar Brewer, Pete Hartfield, Dorothy Henry, and Curtis Releford; father, Dutch Davis; mother and step-father, Joe “Pap” and Hattie Releford.
