Earnestine Marion

On September 1, 1937, in Cold Springs, Texas, Rosie and Augusta Johnson became the proud parents of their second born; a daughter they named Earnestine. 

Earnestine began her educational journey and at the age of 15, she attended Lincoln High School in Cold Springs.  Shortly thereafter, she was relocated to Houston, Texas with her mother and brother, Marshall.  Once settling in Houston, she continued her education at the legendary Jack Yates High School where she was a majorette, and graduated in 1954.

Earnestine accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Cold Springs Baptist Church.  Sister  Earnestine later joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church and was redirected, through the spirit of God, to move her membership to Christian Hope Baptist Church.  She continued to serve faithfully for over 55 years under the leadership of the late Pastor Herbert Stroman. She remained a staunch member under the current pastor, Dr. Kenneth W. Stroman, until God called her home. During her years at Christian Hope, she was a devoted member and held numerous positions such as president of the youth choir, matron of the youth department, women’s ministry president, youth Sunday School teacher, women’s chorus and Senior Choir.

Outside of her church, she continued to serve.  She was a matron for The Interfaith Choir under the  leadership of Terry Jackson, a member of the women’s Christian brunch club, the women’s Jules choir, the Houston Mass Choir, and a chapter member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, founded by the late Reverend James Cleveland.  She was a faithful member of each organization for many years.

Sister Earnestine worked several jobs to provide for her children.  She worked at a donut shop located in third ward, Wilson furniture company, the University of Houston and the Hallmark retirement home, until she retired.  She was a LOVING mother to her children, and was a mother to many; her impact was far reaching.  She instilled the word and relationship with God in her children, grandchildren, and everyone she came across.  She loved life, interacting with others and most importantly, praising the Lord.  Her favorite hobbies included traveling, home decorating, cooking her famous Polynesian      brisket, sewing, being a fashionista and accessorizing with her love of hats.

On August 15, 2024, Sister Earnestine Marion entered the realm of eternity.  She was preceded in    transition by her parents, son (James E. Marion, Jr.); step-brother (Ray Don Johnson), step-sister (Brenda Holmes); grandmother (Emma Terry); sister-in-law (Betty Johnson); granddaughter (Bethany Faith Marion); great-grandson (Jason Wayne Solomon); great-granddaughter (Amiyah Brielle Marion); and three god-daughters (Mildred “Sweet Pea” Turner, Sharon Posey and Karen Posey).

Sister Earnestine embodied the love of God and was a woman of great wisdom.  She was a quiet spirit with a soft tone and she changed atmospheres.  Left to cherish her memory and the foundation she laid are her nine children: Robert Posey (Nina), Rether Evans (Lee), Deborah Phillips (Alvin), Darlene Griggs (Larry), James Marion, III (Tranese), Tyrone Marion (Jacqueline), Andre Marion (Pamela),   Frederick Marion (Greta), Sidney Marion (Ronda); brother, Marshall Lee Johnson; bonus daughters,  Angela “Minnie” Bradley, Ciecly, and Elizabeth; god-children, Jackie, Sonya, Evetta and Moses; 36 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren;1 great-great-great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, and bonus children whom she loved dearly.

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