Elizabeth Louise James Earnest lived her life with a positive attitude, natural beauty, and charmed those who knew her with her grace and winning smile.
Elizabeth, also affectionately known by her childhood friends and family as “Betty”, was born in Buffalo, NY, on June 5, 1938. Her father accepted an engineering position at Redstone Arsenal, AL, and moved the family to Huntsville, Al, when Elizabeth was 2 years old. She graduated from Huntsville High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She followed in her father’s civil service footsteps and worked her entire career at the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Acquisition Directorate.
She was an energetic and enthusiastic supporter in numerous community activities including the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, the Alabama Alumni Association, and a member of First Christian Church. Her husband, daughter, and extended family were her pride and joy. She was a fabulous cook and loved to entertain for large gatherings. Some of her most valued and cherished friendships were the ones she made with her bridge buddies. For over 50 years, they shared laughter, wit, humor, and “good” cards. She was loved and admired by all who knew her for all of her life.
Even when Elizabeth’s health started to decline, she brought a smile, light, and joy into the everyday of her caregivers.
Elizabeth, aged 82, was surrounded by loved ones when she passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 24th. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years James Barrett (J.B.) Earnest and her parents Frank James, Sr. and Laura James. She is survived by her daughter Melinda James, her brother Frank James, Jr. (Grace) of Athens, GA, her sister-in law Dorothy Duffey of Tampa, FL, and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 27th at 2:00 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Special acknowledgement is extended to Dr. Ingrid Roig and the medical team who provided Elizabeth with excellent care for many years. Additionally, there are not enough words to thank Visiting Angels, Kindred Hospice and each and every one of the special caregivers who provided support, encouragement, and compassion when it was needed the most.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or your favorite charity.
