Ernestine Elizabeth Avery

Ernestine’s long journey began on September 5th 1917 in Salado, TX.  She was the second child born to the union of Harriett Berrell Wilkinson and Ernest Wilkinson Sr. Her childhood duties mainly consisted of caring for her eight younger siblings who affectionately called her “Sis”.  Sis accepted Christ at an early age and truly loved Him as her Savior and Lord.

After graduating from Thomas B. Harris High School, Belton, TX., in 1937, Ernestine went to Ft. Worth, TX. To help care for an older relative.  After her stay in Ft. Worth, she then lived in Tucson, AZ. and was employed as a personal assistant and secretary for Miss Knight, a local socialite.  Later she continued her move westward to Los Angeles, CA. where she lived for several decades.  During this time, she met and married Lewis Avery.  Also, she was employed at Universal Studios for 14 years, which was truly an adventure for her.

Her style was “Old Hollywood Glam” and she loved telling stories about meeting many famous people. She also hosted entertainers and athletes traveling the Chitlin’ Circuit such as Count Bassie and Satchel Paige.  Ernestine had a very full life as she loved (and taught) dancing, gardening, traveling, entertaining, eating out, watching the LA Lakers and attending Crenshaw Christian Center.

After returning to Salado, at the age of 92, she became a member of Grace Baptist Church where she faithfully attended until her health began to fail.  Although Ernestine had no children, she leaves to cherish one Sister Mable Jo Butler of Riverside, CA., one sister-in-law LaVerne Wilkinson of Salado, TX. And several nieces and nephews.

Acknowledgements:

The family of Ernestine Avery would like to express our sincere appreciation to the administrators and staff of Creekside Rehabilitation Center, Belton, TX., the nurses and staff of Interim Health Care, the church family of Grace Baptist Church and all others who expressed words of encouragement, prayers, provided food and other expressions of love.  The support and love shown during our time of bereavement is greatly appreciated.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernestine Elizabeth Avery, please visit our floral store.