Ernestine Donald

Mrs. Ernestine (Roby) Donald began her earthly journey in life on January 10, 1929, in Sallis, Mississippi, the daughter of Mark and Suella Roby. She finished her race on April 30, 2023, at the age of 94 blessed years.

Ernestine married Willie Donald in 1946; he preceded her in death. From their union, she was blessed with four children: Billy, William, Richard, and Rosetta “Jean” Donald. Ernestine relocated to Saginaw, Michigan, at the age of 20 years. She loved the Lord and was baptized at an early age. She was a member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years, serving faithfully on the Usher and Greeting Ministries, under the leadership of the late Pastor Emeritus Roosevelt Austin Sr., and current Pastor, Rodrick A. Smith.

Ernestine was employed by General Motors in Flint, Michigan, retiring after 22 years of service. She was affiliated with UAW Local 598. Throughout her life, Ernestine was an avid bowler and traveled to many competitions across the country. She continued to bowl until she was 90 years old. She enjoyed baking and her Caramel Cake was the absolute best. Ernestine will be greatly missed by family and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory her only daughter, Rosetta (Luther) Harrell; 12 grandchildren Luther Harrell Jr., Zachary, Sabrina, Stephanie, Patrick, Richard (Michelle); Angela, and Erica Donald, Jeaneen (Alberto) Pedraza, Chantra (Terrance) Williams, Cherita (Harrison) Bailey, and Derrick Davis; one daughter-in-law, Diane Donald; three sisters-in-law, Marion, Annie and Ruby Donald; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, too many to name, and she loved them all dearly; three very dear friends, Dot Townsend, Evelyn Wettlin, and Minnie Reese.

Ernestine was preceded in death by her parents; her three sons; sisters, Alice Johnson and Ozell White; brothers, Tad, Benson and Ollie Roby; two grandchildren, Lynette Donald and William HD Villalba.

The family would like to express special thanks to her devoted daughter, Rosetta, for the loving care she provided for her mother; Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.