Ernestine C Smith

Ernestine Cordelia Smith, daughter of the late Preston and Fannie Winkler, was born on September 27, 1937, in Baltimore, Maryland. Ernestine was baptized at an early age at Faith Baptist Church, and later became a member of Israel Baptist Church. She departed this life on July 28, 2020, after a brief illness. Ernestine was one of eleven children born to Preston and Fannie Winkler. She loved her brothers and sisters, Edward Winkler, William Winkler, Charles Winkler, Paul Winkler, Morton Winkler, and Geraldine Cutler, who preceded her in death; Worthington Winkler, Roy Winkler, Reverend Preston Harold Winkler, and Gloria Francetta Stern. She spoke fondly of caring for her siblings when she was younger, and always praised their accomplishments throughout their lives. Ernestine received her formal education in the Baltimore City Public School System, graduating from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in 1953. In 1954, she married Wallace DeShazo, and from this union came Andre, Wayne (who preceded her in death), and Joanne. She was caring to all people, so there is no surprise her occupation was in health care. She learned and was trained in the field of Health Care while working in the delivery room of Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Ernestine later met and married Ulysses Smith Jr. with his daughter Carla Smith. From this union came Ulysses “Pete” and Eric. Later she became a nurse’s assistant at Long Green Nursing Center, where she after many years of service, retired. Not long after retiring from Long Green Nursing Center she started in-home care for the elderly, until she retired after she was diagnosed and defeated breast cancer. Ernestine loved being around family, especially spending time with her grandchildren. Known for her funny and quick wit, Ernestine always told it like it was, usually making those around her smile. You could often find her listening to her “oldie but goodie music”, watching her stories, or listening to the word of the Lord on her favorite televised church service channel. She was a loving person of great strength, who was easy to get along with, and everybody loved being around. She never stopped learning and was continuously looking for ways to challenge her mind. Surviving to cherish her memories are five children, Andre DeShazo, Joanne Jeffries, Carla Smith, Ulysses Smith Jr., and Eric Smith; daughters-in-law, Karen DeShazo and Karen Smith; son-in-law, Walter Jeffries; brothers, Worthington Winkler, Roy Winkler, and Reverend Preston Harold Winkler; sister, Gloria Francetta Stern; sisters-in-law, Vernelle, Shirley, Joyce, and Eloise Winkler; grandchildren, David Martin, KiCher DeShazo, Kelly DeShazo, Katerra Jeffries, Andre DeShazo, Trei Hillary, Walter Jeffries, Chénira Smith, Capria Smith, and Ulysses Smith IV; 14 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.