The saying goes "A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take." Ernestine Perry, throughout the duration of her life, wore many titles – though none more significantly important than Mom. Those who care for others are special individuals; they possess a selflessness in their concern for others. To be a care giver requires both a calling and respect for people and their wellbeing, one Ernestine truly embodied.

Affectionately known as "Jack", Ernestine was born August 28, 1935, to parents Joshua and Sallie Mae Morrow Demps. They raised her in a Christian home and taught her to love, honor and obey God. The tenants of faith and the importance of loving others were the hallmarks of her devotion to Jesus Christ. A lifelong resident of Alachua, Florida, she received all of her educational development through the Alachua County school system – culminating in her graduation from A. L. Mebane High School. Shortly after completing High School, she matriculated at the University of Florida (Gainesville) School of Nursing studying to become a Licensed and Certified Nurse.

Ernestine spent the entirety of her life caring for people. From nursing to motherhood, her fondest joy was seeing to the welfare of others. It was more than a passion; it was her life's mission. As a mother, she provided for her children and raised them in a loving and Christ centered home – ensuring their understanding of the importance of a work ethic. However, due to the enormousness of her heart, Ernestine could not ignore her calling as a mother! Even after her children where grown and out of the home, she became a foster parent to hard-to-place children. This led her to adopting three additional children as her own. Equally important, she was a loving grandmother who enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren and spoiling them as much as possible.

A faithful and dutiful servant of God, Ernestine was a member of Banks Chapel Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Alachua. She held several positions including Treasurer, Church Secretary, and Church Mother. During her pastime she thoroughly enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting, and doing word search puzzles. Ernestine had a "green thumb" for growing flowers and plants, for her yard was always an array of floral beauty. No doubt her success in growing anything was due to her talking to them as their mother.

Without notice on November 30, 2020, Ernestine J. Demps Perry had a conversation with God. She decided to forsake this world and all its troubles and exchange it for a home in glory. On that faithful day, God plucked this beautiful Rose from among us and planted her in a garden of everlasting peace.

She leaves to mourn and forever cherish her memory her sons: Anthony (Lynell) Perry, Ernest Perry; adopted sons: James Perry and Jeremy Perry; daughters: Theodora Mitchell, Alberta Ross, and adopted daughter: Shantonae Perry; siblings: Joshua Demps, Doris Demps (George) Sailor, and Sarah (Andrew) Mack; 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives, church family, and loving friends.

Ernestine J. Demps Perry was proceed in death by her father and mother; sons: Ferman Perry and Beethoven Perry; brothers: Amos Demps and McKinley Demps; sisters: Cora Demps Welch, Flossie Hamm, Sallie Mae Demps Brown, and Mary Williams.