Ernestine Dorothy Moore

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavencarrtenney.com for the Mathews/Carrethers/Moore family.

Ernestine was born Ernestine Dorothy Mathews on July 6, 1935, to George Elvert Mathews and Emma Susan Ross-Mathews, in Bristow, Oklahoma. George and Emma were blessed to have nine children. Ernestine was their fourth child as well as their first daughter.

George and Emma moved their large family to Phoenix, Arizona in 1947. First son, George (Bertha) was already in Phoenix with his family, after serving valiantly as a U.S Marine during World War II. Second son, Herman (Cleosa), later moved to Phoenix with his family, also after serving valiantly during World War II however his service was in the U.S. Navy. Third son, Alfred (Margaret), a U.S. Army veteran who honorably served in the Korean War, remained in Oklahoma to raise his family.

Ernestine attended Mary McLeod Bethune School in West Phoenix and later Phoenix Technical High School, where she excelled academically and graduated with honors.

Following high school, Ernestine met and married Robert L. “Jackie” Carrethers in 1953. To this union were born Robert L. Carrethers, Jr. and Andrea L. Carrethers-Hardwick. Years later, their union was dissolved. Subsequently she met Prentice D. “PD” Moore and they were wedded in 1966. To this union was born, Prentice D. Moore, Jr. PD preceded Ernestine in death in 1977.

Ernestine was a faithful member of Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church from the time she and her family arrived in Phoenix until the church permanently closed its doors in 2008. Among her many roles, she served as the church’s pianist and choir leader. After the closing of Bethel, Ernestine became a member of Phillips Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Where she remained a member until her passing.

Ernestine worked as a production specialist at Motorola for over 32 years from 1966 to 1998. When she was hired, she was among a small number of African Americans hired by the company. During her early years, she was relied upon as a trainer for newly hired engineers. Her excellence and dedication laid the groundwork for many other African Americans and people of color to be hired which ultimately led to Motorola being the largest employer in the State of Arizona.

Ernestine peacefully passed away on April 7, 2023, at the age of 87. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, godmother and friend who was well loved and appreciated.

Ernestine leaves to cherish her memory, her adult children, Robert L. Carrethers, Jr. (Yvette), Andrea L. Carrethers-Hardwick (Roy, Sr.) and Prentice D. Moore, Jr. (Melissa). Ten grandchildren: Roy, Jr., Andre, Armon, Raylon, Aaron, Jack, James, Jael, Gabriel and Damaris. Twenty great-grandchildren: Bri’Annah, Aniyah, Ja’Roi, Acahi, Sincere, Tamia, D’Andre, King, Armoni, Cece, De’Mari, Israyl, Jordan, Kaziyah, Aariana, Aaliyah, Aamil, Jaxon, Kacey and Ona. Four siblings: Alfred L. Mathews (Margaret) of Sapulpa, OK, Arlene Bobo (Charles) of Phoenix, AZ, Erma S. Gratts of Inglewood CA, and Charles D. Mathews (Virginia) of San Antonio, TX. A godson and an amazing host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Siblings who preceded Ernestine are: George F. Mathews, Herman L. Mathews, Ervin O.C. Mathews and Lawrence G. Mathews.

Ernestine was an amazing mother who was always there for her children. As a grandmother and great grandmother, she loved and supported in ways that at times, laughingly made her adult children jealous. As a sister, her siblings valued her wisdom and unique perspectives on life’s challenges. As an aunt, she inspired her many nieces and nephews with her strength and grace which are reasons why she was everyone’s favorite aunt. As a godmother, she loved and protected with joy and dedication to proper growth and development. As a cousin, she was the reliable person that made her the favorite cousin. As a friend, she was the person who could quickly establish lasting friendships and resolve any issues with trust and concern. As a result, the nickname “Pal” stuck with her for the rest of her life because she was everyone’s friend, in good and bad times.