Ernestine Jones Keene was born on March 20, 1932 in Halifax County, NC. to Edward Jones and Eliza Bellamy Jones. Ernestine attended the public schools in North Caroline and Virginia.

In 1951 Ernestine married her childhood sweetheart, Monroe Keene, Sr. After the marriage, the couple traveled to several states during his military career. After leaving the military the couple settled in upstate New York with their 5 children where they worked for R.S.H. and from which Ernestine retired in 1986 after 30 years of employment. During her career, Ernestine attended nursing school and obtained an LPN degree, and returned to Lunenburg County to assist in the care of her mother.

Ernestine’s family unit in retirement consisted of her significant other, Eddie Carson and her grandson Delton Douce, whom she raised from a very young age.

Ernestine peacefully transitioned on August 15, 2018 at VCU Community Memorial Hospital in South Hill, Virginia.

She is preceded by her husband, Monroe Keene, her parents, Edward and Eliza Jones, twelve siblings, and one grandchild.

Ernestine is survived by three children, Monroe Keene Jr. (Laura) of Victoria, Virginia, Evelyn Cunningham of Victoria, Virginia, Evon Minott (Darrell) Wilmington Delaware, also surviving are two sisters, Lula Baskerville, Manteca, CA. and Ruth Beale of Woodbridge, Virginia, Also surviving her are nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren, surviving are also a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.

Funeral services were held August 24 at noon at New Grove Baptist Church, Kenbridge with the Rev. Dr. Curtis W. Bagley, Jr., pastor. Interment in church cemetery.

S.P. Jones & Son Funeral Home served the family.