Ernestine Scott

Mrs. Ernestine Scott, age 81, of Martin, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in Monroe, Georgia.

A service to honor her life will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Old Fulton Road Church of Christ, with interment to follow at Parham Cemetery. Visitation will begin at noon on the same day at the church.

Born on July 12, 1944, in Kemper County, Mississippi, Ernestine was the daughter of the late Roy and Johnnie Mae McGraw (Windom/Ham). As the ninth of ten children, her family moved to Martin, Tennessee in 1950, where she attended Weakley County Training School.

Throughout her life, Ernestine lived in various places, including several years in Anchorage, Alaska, with her sister, Jewel Edwards. She later returned to Martin before relocating to Lansing, Michigan, where she was employed by Oldsmobile. Eventually, she returned home to Martin, which she cherished deeply.

On July 7, 1971, she married Vander Scott, Jr., who preceded her in death in 2016. Their union lasted for 45 years, during which they built a loving family. Ernestine dedicated 20 years of her career to the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM), where she positively impacted both her coworkers and the students she encountered.

Ernestine pursued education with determination, earning her GED in 1988 and attending cosmetology school. At the age of 50, she enrolled at UTM as a student, becoming an inspiring figure featured in the Weakley County Press for her commitment to lifelong learning.

A woman of many talents and a nurturing spirit, Ernestine was devoted to her roles as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her deep faith was reflected in her active membership at Old Fulton Road Church of Christ in Martin.

She is survived by her children: Kenneth E. Windham (preceded in death), Le Tonia Windham (Kenneth Watson) of Woodbridge, Virginia, Paul Windham of Madison, Tennessee, and Lori Scott of Monroe, Georgia. She leaves behind four grandchildren: LaKesha (Keith) Fox of San Antonio, Texas; Regan Harris of Monroe, Georgia; Talia McDaniel of Alexandria, Virginia; and Elijah (Jaselyn) Windham of Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Ernestine was the second oldest of ten siblings; she is survived by her sister Jewel Edwards (special friend Ernest Tatum) of Woodbridge, Virginia; Nellie Rae (Gallian Jr.) Fulton of Savannah, Tennessee; Shirley (Tony “Job”) Brock of Gallatin, Tennessee; and Ruby (Mike) Miller of Woodbridge, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her siblings Joeline (Leo) Shane of Lansing, Michigan; Lee Roy (Doris) Windham of Lansing, Michigan; Roy Lee Windham; Loris (Charles “Chuck”) Askew of Lansing, Michigan; and her best friend and sister Rita (Rodney) Royster of Madison, Tennessee. Additionally, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved bonus family members.

Ernestine was immensely loved and will be profoundly missed by all whose lives she touched. She will be remembered for her unwavering love for family and friends, her kindness, compassion, and her selfless service to those in need.

McPhearson-Rawls Funeral Home - Union City 731-885-8110