Ernestine “Sally” Gaskins was born on May 30, 1948, in Society Hill, South Carolina to Henry Gaskins, Jr. and Mildred Matthews. She was the younger sister to Christine Baldwin of California (deceased), Ervin W. Gaskins of New York (deceased), Elzenia Bishop of Maryland, and the older sister to Henrietta Babin of California, Earl C. Gaskins of Illinois, Betty M. Howard of South Carolina, and Ricky E. Gaskins of New York.
As a child, Ernestine attended Mt. Rona Missionary Baptist Church in Society Hill, South Carolina with her grandparents, parents and seven siblings. She loved working on her parents’ family farm with her brothers and sisters. Ernestine also showed a passion for education. In high school, she excelled in science, history and English. Because of her high grades, her school principal selected her to represent Rosenwald High School as a Page on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Ernestine graduated as Salutatorian from Rosenwald High School.
After graduating from high school, Ernestine attended Claflin University in South Carolina. She became a member of the historically black sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Nu Chapter. Upon the request of her mother, and to be closer to her family, Ernestine moved to New York. She transferred to Brooklyn College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Reading. She decided to further her education; this time earning a master’s in Early Childhood Development from St. John’s University.
Ernestine spent her entire career as a public servant, serving as a teacher in New York City’s public school system for over 35 years. She taught at all levels in the school system, from Pre-K to secondary school, with an emphasis on reading, writing, and science. Ernestine spent the final years of her career as a high school teacher at Sheepshead Bay High School. In addition to her day-to-day teaching responsibilities at the school, Ernestine led a school-to-career program for students with learning disabilities, which gave them skills to operate a school-based grocery store. Not only did her students learn important academic and job skills, but Ernestine also coached them to compete and win state and regional business marketing competitions. She worked tirelessly to support her students’ success. Ernestine retired from teaching in 2011.
Ernestine spent most of her adult life living in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, NY where she developed strong ties to the community. She tutored neighborhood students, organized block parties and community events, and could be counted on if a helping hand was needed. She was always fashionable, wearing suits to work each day and styled with the latest clothes and accessories.
Ernestine loved spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors. She had high expectations for her sons George and Trevor. She was pivotal to both attending and graduating from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, and earning advanced credentials after graduation.
She also cared for her mother, Mildred, in her final days before her homegoing in 2002. Ernestine could always be counted on for reminding those around her about the importance of relying on Christ in all things and keeping family first. Her spirit, laughter, and “spark” inspired all who met her and drew people toward her throughout her life.
Ernestine leaves to cherish her memory, her sons George Gaskins of San Diego and Trevor Gaskins of Maryland, her brothers and sisters, her two granddaughters Gianna Gaskins and Mikayla Gaskins, and her grandson Tucker Gaskins. Her memory will also be cherished by her daughters-in-law Latisa (Strickland) Gaskins and Sharon (Tucker) Gaskins, her cousins, nieces and nephews, and a host of loving relatives, extended family, and lifetime friends.
We, the Gaskins, sincerely thank you all for sharing your time with us in remembrance of our loving Ernestine.
A visitation for Ernestine will be held Friday, November 18, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cusimano & Russo Funeral Home, 2005 West 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223. The funeral service will occur Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 2005 West 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223. Interment to follow after the funeral service on Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ernestine's memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association, https://www.alz.org/.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cusimanoandrussofuneralhome.com for the Gaskins family.
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