Ernestine Carr

(From Parker Mortuary)

Ernestine J. Thomas Carr, age 90 of Joplin, passed away at 8:35 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2015 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Born March 13, 1925 in the Spurgeon Community south of Joplin, she was a lifelong area resident. She was a daughter of the late Charley and Hattie Waldon Thomas. A housekeeper in her early life, in 1966 she became a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked in surgery at Freeman Hospital for over 25 years. A 70-year member of Unity Missionary Baptist Church, she was a Sunday School teacher for 47 years, a choir member for 50 years and served as Youth Director and on the Missions Board for 20 years. Since 2002 she also belonged to Church Women United. A member of N.A.A.C.P, she also served on the Community Center Board.

Survivors include her four children, Linda Hackner and husband Charles of Houston, TX, David Thomas and wife Betty of Joplin, Keith Carr of Joplin, Eric Carr and wife Cynthia of Rochester Hills, MI; one sister, Charlene Calhoun of Joplin; six grandchildren, Jason Hackner, Troy and Tracey Thomas, Keisha Mason, Kellen Carr and Jordan Burton; four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Ernestine was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Calvary Baptist Church, with Rev. Ralph Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ronald Bonner, Joseph Williams, Glen Caldwell, Eric Colbert, William Kean and Kevin Calhoun. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.