Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Earnestine Reed Obituary
Earnestine Reed, 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Summa Hospice Barberton on December 4, 2014 after a brief battle with cancer.
Earnestine was born on a leap year February 29, 1932 to Jessie George Whitthorne and Pearl Washington, and lived her entire life in Akron, Ohio. She attended Akron Public Schools and retired from The University of Akron, working as a cook at Robinson Dining Hall. Her passion was cooking, catering for family and friends around the Akron area and out of town. Always helping others, she was an overwhelming lover of her family and a mother figure to numerous people. Her favorite saying, "I LOVE YOU MORE." She loved pets, having birds and dogs, but her delight was her dog Cheetah.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie George Whittmore, Pearl and Lawrence Johnson; husband, Joseph Rowan; brothers, Gentry, George, Harold, Phillip and Lawrence Jr.; and sisters, Lois and Maebell. She leaves to forever cherish her loving memory her son, Ronald R. (Ophelia) Rowan Sr. of Bath, Ohio; brothers, Fred (La Vonne) Johnson and Charles (Bernadette) Johnson, both of Akron, Ohio; sisters, Martha (Theotis) French of Gadsden, Alabama and Darlene Webster of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Valeria, Ronald Jr., Joseph, Da Shawn; special daughter, Chris (Ronnie) Rackley of Columbus, Ohio; and son, Edward Johnson of Akron, Ohio; a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
The family wishes to thank Summa Hospice at Home, the doctors and nurses at Acute Palliative Care Unit of Summa Barberton Hospital. Special thanks to Amy and Nancy.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at 12 p.m. at Rhoden Memorial Home, 1101 Palmetto Ave., Akron, Ohio 44306. Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until time of service. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. Procession will form and condolences can be sent to 4400 Shaw Road Ext., Bath, Ohio 44333.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Earnestine Reed
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
Maxwell Bricks
January 30, 2022
When many people recall their time spent attending college they recall friends they made, fun times with a fraternity or sorority they joined, influential professors that changed their life, the outstanding preparation that the University of Akron availed them of. For seven years, that was not me.
My time at the University of Akron as a student was highlighted by only one person, that was working with Earnestine in the cafeteria.
How many times I still hear her voice in my mind unable to do a vocal imitation.
How many times could I hear her say, if anyone is going to mess with my Ronnie, I will pop them one!
How many times did my Mother call Earnestine and thank her for making sure I had food because I was not working on the weekend and did not have enough money to feed myself.
How many times did I try to sneak thru the line to get a meal, Cecil would yell at me, Earnestine would come out from the kitchen and in front of the entire cafeteria yell back at him & say to leave Maxwell alone!
How many times I think of Earnestine, I smile & laugh to myself.
How many times I think of Earnestine.
Maxwell Bricks
Princeton, NJ.
February 29, 2016
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss you so much Aunt Ernie life is just not the same. RIP
Dolores Salsky
February 28, 2015
Dear Ronnie and Family,
I tried to call today to wish Earnestine a Happy Birthday! She and I worked together at St. Thomas Hospital. She was like a mother to me as well as a wonderful friend. I'm sure she is in heaven with God. My condolences to your family. I'm sad that I have lost a wonderful friend!
Sharlette Mattison-Moss
December 12, 2014
To the Reed Family
Sending our condolences and keeping you all in our prayers. She was a lovely person and will be missed. Chris is has been many years since I have seen you but you are always in my thoughts and prayers!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
delricko ramsey
December 10, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Glenda Livingston-Wells
December 10, 2014
It's hard to put into words condolences, especially when speaking of a loved one. Ronnie, Ophelia, family, friends and those who were blessed to have known my Aunt Earnie, may you be strengthened, comforted and blessed by God,with everything you need to make it through such a time as this.She was a caring person with a beautiful smile, sense of humor and contagious laugh. She will truly be missed. Love and praying for you.
Michael and Adrienne Livingston
December 10, 2014
Dear Ronnie,Ophelia and Family
Please accept our most heart felt condolences. I have many warm memories of Auntie! The stories she shared. The Laugh that she had,which was like no other! It's a Blessing, that we all can go and visit her in the Lovely Memories that she created. Please know that you all are forever in our thoughts and prayers! We wish we could be there to give you all a big hug!
We Love You!
Tracey Johnson-Farrie
December 9, 2014
To Aunt Earnie you will be truly missed by so many people, you touched so many lives near an far, I have so many many good memories of you that i will cherish forever.. I can still hear your sweet voice saying Tracey Hi Sweeetiie how are you? I love you Aunt Earnie sweet dreams. To my Cousin Ronnie stay strong an continue to lean on God an trust God to give you strength to endure during this time.
Nunie spears
December 8, 2014
My prayers to the family earnsetine and i grew up as children. Rip nunie Spears
Rhoden Memorial Home
December 9, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
theo jeffries-palmer
December 8, 2014
Ronnie and Family...May the Lord keep you in his care please let me know if you need ANYTHING!!
One of your beloved nieces
December 8, 2014
We loved you so very much! But God loved you more! No more sickness or pain...you'll truely be missed by all! You touched so many lives! R.I.P. see you at the resurrection ?
raynard whitthorne
December 8, 2014
From The Whitthorne Family. You will be missed R.I.H. Auntie........
Virgil Varner
December 8, 2014
Ronnie, I wish to extend My most heartfelt condolence to You and Your entire Family at the transition of Your Mother. Know that she had a long and blessed life and be strong in love for the Family. Your friend always....
Thompson and Malott Family
December 7, 2014
Our condolences to the family in your grief at the loss of your mother. Our thoughts are with you now, and in the days to come.....
Fred and La Vonne Johnson
December 6, 2014
To our family,
Ernie will be missed . She was dearly loved by all and keep the resurrection hope in her heart . She's sleeping now and we can pray to see her again.
Jim Reed
December 6, 2014
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Earnestine Reed's name
Memorial Events
for Earnestine Reed
People and places connected with Earnestine
Recent Obituaries
How to support Earnestine's loved ones
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
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
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 moreWays to honor Earnestine Reed's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
