Ernestine King McCrary, a beacon of love and faith, transitioned peacefully to eternal rest on October 29, 2024, at the age of 90. She was born on December 24, 1933, to the late Reverend Herbert King and Mary Lou Davis King.
She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1949 and became an active member of Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church where she enjoyed serving in the Sisters Aide Society and participating in Sunday School.
She was a graduate of Council Training School, Class of 1952.
Affectionately known as “Aunt Sheva,” Ernestine’s life was one marked by devotion to her beloved family, friends, and her remarkable faith in Jesus. She was the beloved matriarch of the King family. She was preceded in death by all her siblings: Moses King, Nathaniel King, Jessie King, Earl King, Pearl Wallace, Susie Woody, Blondeva Russell, Lillian Marshall, and Dorothy Toney.
Ernestine married Alvin McCrary Sr. on December 23, 1953. They were married for 45 years until his death in 1999. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Anthony L. McCrary and Alvin McCrary Jr.
Ernestine’s life was dedicated to building a solid foundation for her children and sharing a wealth of wisdom with her grandchildren. She touched many lives both inside her home and outside in the community with her generosity, patience and unwavering support. She believed in the importance of early spiritual and academic development and dedicated herself to guiding her family with love, care, and resilience.
Her unwavering love for her family lives on through her children: Constance (Artro) Whitman, Sheila (David) Crutcher, Erwin (Patricia) McCrary, Vivian (Danny) Barnes, Pastor Ronald (Inell) McCrary, Virgil (Diane) McCrary, and Alisha (Lamarr) Simmons.
Her love, lessons and legacy live on through her grandchildren: Shantae Whitman, Shon Whitman, Katrice (Willie) Clark, Kandia (Tyricka) Calloway, Lybrease (Brandon) Drake, Ashley McCrary, Danielle (Randy) Barbour, Daniel Barnes, Caleb McCrary, Virgil McCrary Jr., Joshua McCrary, Angel McCrary, Christian McCrary, Faith-Ashley McCrary, and Isaiah Simmons; as well as her beloved great-grandchildren: Azadra, Amari, Kiara, Andre, Eric, Aliyah, Kennedi, Alexis, Brandon, and Brianna; and her great-great granddaughter, Kylie.
Ernestine shared a special bond with her cousin/sister: Georgia Ruth Bearden; loving nephews: Adrian King, Jeremy Tuck and Orlando King; and devoted nieces: Veronica Turk, Lisa King, Marsha Moore, and JoAnn Chunn. She had friends who she enjoyed chatting on the phone with often, who kept her encouraged and laughing: Mamie Brown, Betsy Smith, Carlean Brooks, and Dorine Davis. She also had friends who were her personal cheerleaders: Florence Moore, Mary Bardo, LaVerta McGlathery, and Patrice Bone. Additionally, she leaves one brother-in-law, Percy Russell, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and special friends to cherish her memory.
Ernestine’s special outreach mission was sending greeting cards to family/friends, and those shut in or needing encouragement from the scriptures.
Ernestine’s interests showcased her love for both learning and creativity. She was an avid reader; she found excitement in solving puzzles. Her passion for being creative was paralleled only by her love for spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially during family celebrations, paint parties, holiday festivities, her annual birthday gathering with family and friends, and road trips to Georgia. These outings were not just leisurely activities but opportunities to instill values, share stories, and create lasting bonds. She also enjoyed painting, gardening, crafting, and watching NBA basketball games. And in her late 80’s, she loved hosting live pop up art shows to showcase her extensive art collection.
All who knew Ernestine would describe her as faith-filled, fun, and loving – a woman whose presence was a source of joy, strength, and comfort. Her enduring faith guided her through life, and her loving nature ensured that no one in her presence ever felt alone. Ernestine’s legacy is one of compassion, kindness, and a deep-seated belief in the goodness of God!
So today, we celebrate a long life rich in love and faithfulness! She has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she encountered, both within her family and beyond. Ernestine’s life does not end with her transitioning but continues through the lives of those she inspired. Her legacy will be cherished, her lessons will be honored, and her example will continue to guide us all. Just as her favorite scripture declares, she has been satisfied with long life – eternal life!
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 4, 2024 at the Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church (380 Indian Creek Road, Huntsville, AL 35806) with Pastor Timothy M. Rainey officiating. Interment will be in the Indian Creek Cemetery.
The McCrary family will receive guests from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 3, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 3, 2024 at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
