Ernestine S Smith

Hazel Ernestine “Stine” Smith lived a full life of more than 97 years—born October 3, 1926, as the first-born of three daughters to Herbert Ernest and Juanita Harvey Smith of Derby. It was because of her intentional decision to make Jesus Christ Lord over her life and to walk with Him during those 97 years that she was finally rewarded Sunday morning February 11, 2024, and ushered into His presence to live eternally with Him.

Her marriage to John Wiley “Dub” Smith of Poplarville December 3, 1954, lasted 51 years until cancer took him early on May 12, 2006. From that day, Maw continued as matriarch always holding her family close and leading them well.

Her indominable spirit throughout her life led her on a journey to complete her college education in Chicago at Northwestern University to gain a degree in Medical Records Administration. That decision ultimately brought her to a place of leadership at Memorial Hospital Gulfport as Medical Records Administrator for several decades and even to serve as a consultant to Pearl River County Hospital after her retirement in 1987.

Maw, as she is lovingly called by countless people, was kind; she loved Jesus, she loved people, she loved God’s word and was a stalwart prayer warrior.

Someone rightly stated her heart was as open as her door. And her door was always open. Most of all, her heart was always open to Christ and to His leading and direction which often resulted in impacting the lives of others. She is already greatly missed, but will never be forgotten. Her children rise and bless her, and we thank God for giving us such a mother.

Maw is survived by her four children—John Joel “Joey” Smith (Tammy Daughdrill) of Columbia, MS; Peggy Lynn Smith Gwin (Steven) of Piperton, TN; Melinda Kay Smith Bowman (Joe) of Poplarville; and David Herbert Smith (Belinda Ladner) of Poplarville; her seven grandchildren—Joel Adam Smith, Wendy Nicole Smith, Trent David Smith, Travis Michael Smith (Shelby Ladner), Joshua Luke Bowman (Laura Davion), Hannah Ruth Bowman Ferguson (Slade), and Joseph Seth Bowman; and her eight great-grandchildren—Abbie Leigh and Mollie Kate Smith, Lakelyn Rayne and Waelyn Dean Smith; Avia Elizabeth, John Luke and Joshua Liam Bowman; and Isla Katherine Ferguson.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Family and friends are invited to attend the evening wake for Ernestine on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at White Funeral Home, 315 Hwy 11 South, Poplarville, Mississippi from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm.

Visitation will be held at Juniper Grove Baptist Church, 289 Juniper Grove Road, Poplarville, Mississippi on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 am at Juniper Grove Baptist Church on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Burial to follow in the Church Cemetery.