Deacon Earnestine E. Epps Chatman

1932 - 2025

"It is of the LORD`s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Deacon Earnestine Elizabeth Epps Chatman, Sunrise March 17,1932 and Sunset December 3, 2025 of Petersburg, Virginia. She was the daughter of the late Martha and Willie Epps, Sr.  She was married to the late Leroy Chatman of Dinwiddie County, prior to his death. She was preceded in death by her children, Mable "Jackie" Blount, Earnest L. Chatman, Raymond C. Chatman, Gary S. Chatman, and Gordon K. Chatman; siblings, Delores Epps, Elsie Epps, Andrew Epps and Willie Epps, Jr.; sons-in-law, Minister James Blount, Jr, Minister Alfred Tucker, Jr.; grandchildren, Gregory Jackson, Latoya Wilson, Danielle Chaney, Baby Cydnee Rose, Baby Joshua R. Mungin and Lamar Morris.

Earnestine has always been a servant of God, even before accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She later in life joined First Baptist Church, West Petersburg where she rededicated her life, allowing her love for God, His church and God's people to blossomed. She was ordained as a Deacon July 2, 2000.  She served as President of the Usher Board for approximately seven years, the first female as Deacon at First Baptist Church, Vice Chair of the Deacon Board, Member of the Mass Choir, the Gospeletts and the Senior Choir. God blessed her with many gifts and abilities, but all is attributed to the Glory of the Lord. She has always tried to encourage and edify people, and continued to do so until her last days. 

Earnestine worked many jobs during her life time: Housekeeping, Early Childcare, Retail and Taylor Men`s Store that sparked a fire and passion that would cultivate a calling unlike no other. In 1973, Earnestine's Sew Shop was birthed she was more than a seamstress — she was a weaver of dreams. With every stitch, she stitched love, patience, and vision into fabric. Her hands transformed cloth into garments that carried stories, and her creations became heirlooms, cherished long after the seams were sewn. For more than two decades, Earnestine devoted her time and energy to feeding the homeless, offering not only meals but dignity, kindness, and hope. Her unwavering commitment made her a pillar of the community, someone whose presence reminded us all of the power of compassion in action. Through her service, countless lives were touched and her example continues to inspire others to give selflessly. Let's not forget she was THE TRI-CITIES SEAMSTRESS. Not just alterations, but DRESSMAKING and ALTERATIONS. You know that your weren`t just getting any type of experience, you was getting the BEST that the city had to offer. A LEGACY that will continue to live on. 

Grandma, Steamboat, JapJap, Granny, Boobie, GG and "1Chat" as she was affectionately known to many of her grandchildren. She always knew how to make everyone feel safe, whether through a warm meal, a kind word, or simply her presence. Her compassion extended beyond her family, touching neighbors, friends, and even strangers (Because she never met a stranger, she only met family!). She reminded everyone that small acts of care can change lives. She gave without expecting anything in return, teaching by example that love is the greatest gift we can offer. Her life was a testament to perseverance, showing her family how to face challenges with courage and grace. She reminded everyone that small acts of care can change lives. Some of her famous quotes: "If you can't find a job, create a job", "Never go to bed angry", "Give me my flowers while I'm here to smell them", "You're too young to be tired". "When I give I don't expect to get it back", "Don't go out there starting nothing, but make sure you finish it", "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all", "Always love people no matter how they treat you" and so many, many more. Her life was a living testimony of faith in God, expressed through boundless love and service. Guided by her belief, she poured compassion into every act, feeding the hungry, comforting the weary, and uplifting those in need. 

Mom/Grandma was one of those grandmas that had to have her hands in everything, "One man's trash is another man's treasure", there wasn't an apartment that she didn't help decorate, customize and make it a home. She always saw the vision that we couldn't see. The memories we shared will last a lifetime. 

Earnestine leaves to cherish her most precious memories to her daughters, Carolyn Nesbitt (Steve), Deacon Deborah Chatman-Tucker, and Deacon Robbinette Nicholas (Michael); one son, Robbie Chatman; and her bonus daughter, Marie Cox; Earnestine is survived by her grandchildren, Angelo Chatman, Jaceline Chatman, Yolanda Harris-Williams, Tonya Richardson, Kenneth Chilon Stith, Jane Bradley, Earnest Harris, Corey Taylor, Tarsheena Morris, Janeece Prosise, Jacinda Blount, Keon Taylor, Qiyamah "Janell" Shabazz, James Blount, Jr, Antonio Cox, Niketa Nicholas, Timere Burchette, Tamika Cox-Johnson, Jessica Chatman, Mischa Nicholas, Erica Cox, Whitney Denefield, Joshua Self, and Jennifer Tucker; seventy-four great-grandchildren and twenty-eight great-great grandchildren; her siblings, Mackenzie Epps (Ruth) and Vinette Hart; sister-in-law, Ann Epps; lifetime family/friend, Dorothy Duffus; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her devoted granddaughter and caregiver, Jaceline Chatman, whose love, dedication, and tireless care brought comfort and dignity throughout her final years. A special heartfelt thanks to her devoted caregiver, Deacon Tessie Blagmon for your excellent love and care shown to our mom  and the James River Hospice and Nursing Staff. Special thank you to First Baptist Church, West Petersburg for your unwavering love and support. 

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, December 19, 2025, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves, Sr., Pastor, and Rev. Edward L. Fox III, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.