Ernestine was born on January 5, 1950 in Memphis, Tennessee to Samuel and Frances Cook.  She was their second of ten children which included two (yes, two) sets of twins and a set of triplets.  At an early age, she moved to Redbird, OK where she was united in Christ at First Baptist Redbird.  As a young child, she and her older sister Samealler had an instrumental role in helping care for their younger siblings.

She attended elementary school at Miller Washington in Redbird OK and middle & high school in Coweta, OK.  She often reminded us that she was the first African American cheerleader at Coweta High School.  And if you had ever seen them, you know that she had the perfect legs for the job.  After graduating high school, she went on to attend Northeastern State University.  In 1968, she joined Cornell Woodard in marriage.  From this union, two children were born; Tyra and Alfre.  After marriage, she joined the Church of the Living God C.W.F.F. family.  She was a loving caring mother to her daughters of which she was quite proud.

Ernestine was an amazing cook and her family looked forward to her turkey and dressing, salmon croquets, cabbage, fried chicken, peach cobbler…the list is endless.  Throughout her life, her home was often the family meeting place for holiday dinners or Game Night.  The Cook family is known for their competitive Spades card games.  Each of the sisters had a favorite partner.  Visitors who were brave enough to face their intimidating trash-talking were rarely fortunate enough to sit at the table longer than one game.

Ernestine began her career at the Tulsa Urban League as an Administrative Assistant.  She was also active in political causes and often campaigned for local government officials.  As an Administrative Assistant to the Director of Morton Health Center, her colleagues were like family.  She would walk the halls and greet everyone by name.  Most of all, she never missed an opportunity to share information about all the support Morton offered our community; support of which so many were not aware.

In 1987, Ernestine married Lillard Governor Stearns who proceeded her in death.  He courageously served our country as a Captain in the United States Air Force.  After only a few minutes of being in a room with them, it was obvious how much he loved and adored her.  She loved and respected him equally.  After Lillard's passing, Ernestine moved back to Memphis to care for her ailing mother.

In Memphis, she joined The Zion CME Church; Hickory Hill where she proudly served as a member of the Voices of Zion Choir.  The church recalls her being best known for her beautiful renditions of The Blood, God Will Open the Doors of Heaven, Jesus Will Reach Way Down, I Am Blessed , and many more.

After working for a dermatologist for several years, Ernestine moved on to work at The University of Memphis.  She was respectfully known is Ms. Ernestine in the Transportation Department as well as around the campus.  She loved all types of music.  She shared her love for Jazz as a part-time radio personality with the University of Memphis Jazz Station; WUMR U92.  The students loved her dearly; especially the basketball team.  She was a loyal fan and the players adored her.  They ensured that she always has tickets to the games.

Upon retirement, Ernestine moved back to Tulsa…but not before receiving a proper 'farewell' from her church family as well as her adopted family.  A special service was given in her honor.  Her words from the printed program best describe what they meant to her:

Ernestine shares her fondest memory:

On my first visit to Zion, Mrs. Deborah Harris introduced me to a family that soon became my God-family – The Golden Family.  I cannot say enough about how wonderful this whole family has been to me.  They welcomed me into their family and I did not miss one single family event.  I am thankful to God for allowing me to have the pleasure of becoming a part of this family.  They have truly made my stay in Memphis very memorable.  I will never forget their generosity.  The Golden girls will always be my sisters no matter where I am; because I have 'mad' love for them all.

I have had some wonderful experiences with my church family at Zion, ones that I will never forget.  I love you guys and may God continue his many blessings upon you all.

Ernestine's Tulsa family is most grateful to the Golden Family; especially the ladies affectionately known as The Golden Girls who were such an inspiration in her life.  After returning to Tulsa, she continued to travel to Memphis to attend the infamous Golden family events.  She never wanted to miss-out on the mountains of good food, family, music, love and laughter.

She joined Gethsemane Baptist Church in Tulsa several years ago.  While she was excited to join the choir, her health did not allow her the strength to participate; however, the choir admired her efforts so much that they made her an honorary member.

While Ernestine had many wonderful friends throughout her life, none was closer than that of her relationship with Frances Jordan Rakestraw.  From the moment Ernestine joined the Woodard family, Frances (Cornell's first cousin) became Ernestine's trusted friend.  They not only worked together, they also vacationed together.  Ernestine loved Frances' chicken salad.  Frances loved Ernestine's fried chicken. They were the kind of friends that often bought each other small gifts 'just because'.

On September 5 ^th , Ernestine transitioned to Heaven.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband (Lillard), her sister (Samealler) and her son-in-law (Travis).  Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters Tyra Woodard Owens and Alfre Woodard and grandchildren; Jaelon Woodard and Hunter Woodard – Tulsa, OK, our beloved and oldest living relative; Uncle L.C. Cook – Houston, TX, eight siblings; Micheal Cook (Anne) - Tulsa, OK, Merliece Harring - Tulsa, OK , Miles Cook - Tulsa, OK, Clara Walker (Leroy, Sr.) - Muskogee, OK, Samuel Cook Jr. (Kim) - Tulsa, OK, Henry Cook - Memphis, TN, Alice Youngblood (Billy, Sr.) - Broken Arrow, OK and Mattie Cook - Tulsa, OK, an adored niece Vache DeBoes - Tulsa, OK, step-grandchildren; Britney Owens, Ashley (Chaz Rae) Tyson, Milan Owens and Travis D. Owens, eight great-grandchildren; MaKayla Saunders, Nicari Owens, Darius Campbell, Khylan Montgomery, Chaz Rene Tyson, Serenity Goe, Rylan Silmon and Garet Hunt II; step-son Lillard "GV" Stearns, Jr. and four step-grandchildren; Lillard III, Lilly-Anne, Lincoln and Lenice Stearns – Tulsa, OK, step-daughters Michelle Johnson (Atlanta, GA) and Sherry Boles (Montgomery, AL), and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Services will be Saturday September 15, 2018 at 1PM at Antioch Baptist Church in Tulsa.

Friends may visit Ms. Stearns on Friday from 1PM until 7PM in The Tulsa Chapel.

Interment for Ms. Stearns will be Monday September 17, 2018 at 12Noon at The National Cemetery in Fort Gibson.