Ernestine North

After living life to the fullest, Ernestine North was “promoted” to heaven on January 10, 2015. She was born June 28, 1923 and was reared and educated in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a member of the Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Watson T. and Mamie North, brother Harold North, sisters Mary Eunice Whitus, Ruth Dean Gibson. Her precious twin sister Josephine preceded her this past August—the first time in ninety-one years they had been apart. Our Lord has been preparing a special place for her while Josephine and dear friend Don Haskins are getting the basketball teams ready! Those who survive her include her beloved daughter Sheila Storm McElroy (Dwayne); grandchildren Magen Ellison (Chris) and Michael McElroy (Marissa); great grandchildren McKenna and Campbell Ellison; nephews Leroy Gibson (Carol) and grandnephew Scott; Robert Whitus (Martha) niece, Nancy Kurbat (Doug). Jane Pingle, a dear friend and financial advisor, also survives her. When Jane wished to discuss “business,” she was always told to sit in the antique chair reserved specifically for her. After WWII, she paid 25 cents tuition and attended Watkins Business College in Nashville where she successfully completed a nine-month secretarial course. While in Nashville, she was a member of the USO and received her USO pin after moving to El Paso. She was a member of the 1940 Tennessee basketball championship and received her miniature basketball necklace in recognition of her talents. Ernestine moved to El Paso in October, 1949, and went to work for the Newspaper Printing Corporation. Later, she worked for Crombie Produce, finally Southern Pacific Railroad. She was hired for three months, but remained with Southern Pacific for over 30 years. She never had to complete a job application. Each employer hired her based upon a mutual understanding consummated by a handshake. Ernestine was a proud supporter of UTEP Men’s Basketball, having missed only seven home games during the 41 years in which she held season tickets. She and her twin sister traveled coast to coast to watch the Miners play. They also attended the induction of Coach Don Haskins into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield Missouri. Graveside service will take place at Restlawn Cemetery, 4848 Alps Drive on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 10:00 am. A celebration of her life will follow at 11:30 am at Royal Estates, 435 S. Mesa Hills with Rev. Mike Woods officiating. Memorial donations to Gideon’s International or UTEP Men’s Basketball are her charities of choice. The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to those who loved and cared for both Ernestine and Josephine during their stay at Royal Estates. This became especially important to Ernestine in the months following the passing of her sister and soul mate, Josephine. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the staff at Royal Estates as well as many others who cared for Josephine, Ernestine while also providing encouragement and support to each of us in the family.