Ernestine Whitfield

     Ernestine Whitfield was born on December 11, 1937, in Crenshaw, Mississippi, to the late William Whitfield and Eula Mae Rice. She peacefully entered eternal rest on July 18, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service.

     Ernestine spent her early years in Mississippi before moving with her family to Seattle, Washington. As a young woman, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she built a life grounded in determination, faith, and hard work. She dedicated more than 30 years to public service, including over 20 years as a civilian records supervisor with the Los Angeles Police Department, following service with the County of Los Angeles and the City of Torrance.

     A proud resident of Long Beach for more than 30 years, Ernestine cherished her home in the California Heights neighborhood. After retiring, she continued serving others by volunteering with local schools, helping children learn to read, and through Long Beach Memorial’s Memory Bears Program, creating memory bears that brought comfort to families grieving the loss of loved ones.

     Ernestine found joy in jazz music, reading, shopping, gardening, collecting African art and jewelry, sharing meals with family and friends, and caring for her beloved pet tortoise, Hugh Masekela. More than anything, she treasured the people in her life. She was a devoted mother, loving sister, cherished aunt and great-aunt, caring neighbor, and loyal friend whose kindness, generosity, and quiet strength touched everyone she knew.

    She is lovingly survived by her sister, Delores Gaines; her devoted nieces Nicole Gaines and Kristen Nation; her grandnephew Sean Gaines, and grandniece Brooke Cunningham; and a large network of extended family, cherished friends and loved ones.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, William Whitfield and Eula Mae Rice; her beloved son, Anthony Whitfield; her sister, Josephine Whitfield; her brother, Thomas Henry Whitfield; and her niece, Kimberly Nation.

     Ernestine’s life was a beautiful reflection of love, compassion, dedication, and grace. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, and her legacy will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.

     2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…”