Ms. Ernestine Diamond

Ernestine L. Diamond was born June 10, 1927, in Kansas City, MO. To Dovie Miller and Godfrey Banks. She was preceded in death by her parents and her only sister.

Ernestine joined St. Stephens Baptist Church in 1932, when she was five years old. She was baptized by Rev. James Wesley Hurse founding Pastor. She began singing in the children’s choir (ages5-8) as an adult she continued to be faithful in her stewardship including a teacher of the Young Adult Department Sunday School class, was a member of the Young Adult choir that later became the Inspirational choir, Baptist Young People’s Union (B.Y.P.U.) and the Miriam Circle.

She was married to Bradley Jackson for 23 years. They had four children: Donald, Michael, Patricia Ann and Bradley Jackson.  Through a series of circumstances she was appointed an Advisor on Minority Affairs.

During her childhood she suffered many undiagnosed illnesses. At age 21, after suffering she was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease. Ernestine then devoted her time to making people aware of the disease. In 2006, she was featured in the Truman Medical Center’s publication, “The Pinnacle” as the new era of Sickle Cell. At the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, in 2003, she was found to be probably the oldest person in America with Sickle Cell.

Ernestine believed in the power of prayer and attributes prayer and her faith that sustained her throughout her life.

She made her transition to her heavenly home April 17, 2022. Remaining to cherish her love and memory are her four children; seventeen grandchildren and six great grandchildren; her church family and many friends..

Funeral service will be Saturday, April 30, 2022  11 am at St. Stephen Baptist Church.  Visitation will be from 10am-11am at the church. Interment  Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. at 9am on Monday, May 2, 2022.  Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

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