Earnestine Cherry

EARNESTINE CHERRY was born June 17, 1926, in Broken Bow, Oklahoma to the union of Albert and Flossie Jordan. Her father passed when she was only sixteen months old. She was raised by her mother and loving stepfather, President Carter Sr. affectionately known as “Papa “. She received her formal education from Dunbar High School.  In her early years, Earnestine became a second mom to her siblings, while her mother joined the workforce to help provide a better living for her family. She was highly respected by her siblings. Earnestine accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very early age and was baptized at St. John Baptist Church in Broken Bow. 

In 1947, Earnestine united in holy matrimony with Manuel Cherry. In 1950, Earnestine and Manuel moved to San Diego, California. Their union was beautifully blessed with four children; Donna, Manuel Jr, Bruce and Wayne. Her son, Wayne was called home to be with Lord on January 25, 1988 and her husband, Manuel on April 22, 1993.

In 1951, Earnestine united with Bethel Baptist Church, under the spiritual guidance of the late Dr. C. H. Hampton and continued under Dr. John W. Ringgold. Throughout Earnestine’s illness, she remained strong, never wavering, always holding on to God’s ever-lasting arm. Her brother, President, would pick her up every Sunday morning for church, and she would be anxious and ready to go as soon as he drove up. She was a faithful member for sixty-seven years and attended church regularly until her health prevented her from going.   

Earnestine, who was a hardworking, strong woman, worked as a domestic worker for more than forty years. She retired during mid-1980s. After retirement, she enjoyed spending time working in her garden every morning. She definitely had a green thumb; for everything she planted strived and flourish. She also enjoyed shopping at the secondhand stores. She could find something unique, bring it home, sand and paint it and make it look brand new. This was something she enjoyed immensely.

Earnestine was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many.  She loved her family unconditionally and everyone knew it.  She always enjoyed cooking and preparing for those special holiday meals for her family. When her children became school age, she joined the PTA.  She would also take her children to their little league practice. Her family was her first priority. She was a strong and strict disciplinarian, outspoken and did not mince her words. If you asked her opinion, be ready for the truth. She wanted her children to be informed, and be ready for life’s lessons. She was also always good for a laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Cherry Sr.; son, Wayne Albert Cherry Sr.; her parents, Albert and Flossie Jordan; six brothers, Arthur, Albert, Willie, Johnny B., Clarence and Herman and one sister, Opalene.

On Thursday, August 31, 2017, Earnestine Cherry was summoned home to be with the Lord. She leaves to celebrate her life her children: Donna Manson, (Henry),  Manuel Cherry, Jr and Bruce Cherry; three sisters: Rubye Lee (Ronald), Scarlet Henderson (Johnny) and Patricia Hearne; three  brothers: James Edward Carter (Frances), President Carter and Sidney Carter (Barbara); fifteen grandchildren,  twenty-two great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends, including her Bethel Baptist Church Family.