Ernestine Pridgen

Ernestine Pridgen obituary

Ernestine Pridgen

Upcoming Events

Nov

19

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory

211 W. Third St., Wendell, NC 27591

Send Flowers

Nov

20

Funeral service

2:00 p.m.

Strickland Funeral Home Chapel

211 W. Third St., Wendell, NC 27591

Send Flowers

Nov

20

Interment

Bunn Memorial Gardens

NC

Send Flowers

Only 3 hours left for delivery to next service.

Ernestine Pridgen Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory - Wendell on Nov. 18, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Ernestine Champion Pridgen

November 16, 1956 – November 16, 2025

Ernestine Champion Pridgen, 69, of Youngsville, passed away peacefully on her birthday, November 16, 2025. She was born on November 16, 1956, in Franklin County to the late Joe Champion and Martha Louise Pearce Champion.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Alicia Joan Champion. She was also preceded in death by her husband Autry Wayne Pridgen, with whom she shared many joyful years.

Ernestine is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Karen Adkins (significant other, Marshall), Kimly Hart, Missy Wright (Chad); her sisters, Tracy Champion, Christine Collier (Randy), and Tricia Stillwell; and her cherished grandchildren: Maxx Hyatt, Kimberly Nine, Ethan Nine, Hunter Hart, Ariel Adkins, Cadence Adkins, Ivy Adkins, Harley Smallwood, and Greyson Smallwood.

Ernestine was a woman full of life, laughter, and love. She had a passion for yard sales, always on the hunt for a hidden treasure or a good bargain. She never passed up a sweet dessert, and her sweet tooth was as legendary as her warm heart. She especially loved camping with her family, where she enjoyed being surrounded by nature, sharing meals, and making memories with those she loved most. Friday evenings out to eat were one of her favorite weekly traditions-she looked forward to good food and even better company. She also had a special love for crossword puzzles, which she enjoyed working on quietly, often with a Diet Mountain Dew nearby. And no one could appreciate a good nap quite like she could-she believed in the power of rest and relaxation.

The family will receive guests at the home of Karen Adkins, located at 95 Floyd Rd., Louisburg, NC.

A visitation will be held from 6:00-7:30 pm, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell, NC 27591. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 pm, Thursday, November 20, 2025, in the Strickland Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Bunn Memorial Gardens.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

People and places connected with Ernestine
How to support Ernestine's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Ernestine Pridgen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Nov

19

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory

211 W. Third St., Wendell, NC 27591

Send Flowers

Nov

20

Funeral service

2:00 p.m.

Strickland Funeral Home Chapel

211 W. Third St., Wendell, NC 27591

Send Flowers

Nov

20

Interment

Bunn Memorial Gardens

NC

Send Flowers

Only 3 hours left for delivery to next service.