Earnestine was born on March 13, 1929 to the late Mark and Frances Criner. With much excitement, she was welcomed into this family of four sisters, Mildred, Wilma, Bertha and Nathella. Later, finally, a brother was added to the family, Mark Criner Jr. She lived with her family in Haskell, Oklahoma until they moved to Muskogee, OK where her musical abilities were nurtured. She became a soloist in her school choir and graduated from Muskogee's Manual Training high School in 1947. By then, her family had moved to Wichita, Kansas and Earnestine entered Langston University as had her sisters before her. While studying to become an elementary education teacher, Earnestine sang with the renowned Langston Acapella Choir and traveled extensively. Upon graduation, she came to Wichita. Later, finding no opportunities for employment she obtained a teaching position in Warrior, OK for two years and then in Missouri approximately eight years. Earnestine always worked in the church. After graduation from Langston she moved to Wichita and joined New Hope Church. She loved her church and really enjoyed singing with Jo Brown, working in the youth department and with the mission. Earnestine taught for over 30 years in the Wichita Public Schools and was a tremendous positive influence on her many students. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta and obtained a master’s degree in education from Kansas State. She also tutored after school for the Wichita Girls Home before she could even drive and her brother, mark Criner Jr. had to be her chauffeur. Her activities included the ARISE Ensemble and the Golden Age Club at McAdams Park. She sang with ARISE until her health failed and was the director of the Golden Age Singers. She leaves behind, to love her forever, her son, Michael Durant and wife Heather; two grandchildren, Mikayla and Miles; her brother, Mark (Birdie) Criner Jr.; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday, August 27th at Resthaven Mortuary and funeral service 10 a.m. Monday, August 28, 2017 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.
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