Mrs. Ernestine Uzzell, a native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, and long-time resident of Durham, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025. She was born in August 1941 as the first child of Henry Merriweathers and Pocahantus Smith and would go on to marry Jesse Uzzell, MSgt, USAF, Retired, another Goldsboro, North Carolina native, in a union that would last over 60 years until her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Samuel and Edward Merriweathers, and her beloved son, Lawrence “Tony” Uzzell, whose death 10 years ago she grieved every day.

Ernestine is survived by her husband and teenage sweetheart, Jesse Uzzell, and her daughter, Karon (Ron) Uzzell-Baggett, Lt Col, USAF, Retired. Her granddaughter, Kathleen Baggett, is joined by three step-grandchildren, Christina (Charles) Forrest, Brian (Alita) Baggett and Adam (Ala) Baggett in remembering a woman who liked to bake and was quick with a smile. Additionally, Ernestine had six great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She also leaves in-laws, nieces, nephews and neighbors she knew through the years.

A graduate of Dillard High School, Ernestine would go on to attend what is now North Carolina Central University. She continued her studies by taking college courses as she moved around the country with her family. A dedicated military spouse, Ernestine supported her husband throughout his 20-year career; making homes in North Carolina, New York, Michigan and Japan. She distinguished herself in numerous jobs ranging from receptionist to telephone operator to medical claims reviewer to help support the family during military moves every 3 – 4 years.

Visitation will begin at 10AM EST on Friday, February 28, 2025, followed by a funeral service to honor Ernestine at 11:00AM EST at Howell Funeral Home and Crematory. She will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Professional services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro