Mrs. Ernestine Heard was born April 29, 1937 to the late Freddie Tyson and Dorothy Richardson. She attended the public schools in Louisiana and after moving to Pine Bluff with her family, she attended the St. Peter Catholic School.
She confessed a hope in Christ at an early age, and later united with the Damascus Missionary Baptist Church in 1957 under the leadership of Pastor John H. Nolen. She remained a member for many years and later united with the New Birth Baptist Church. In later years, she united with the Old Morning Star Baptist Church where she remained until her death.
She was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Herman Heard on September 11, 1961.
Mrs. Heard was an advocate singer for solos and a member of the Mid South Quartet Singers where she was a lead singer for thirty-five years. She was a pianist and a member of the Damascus Choir and a musician for various choirs and musical groups throughout the city.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of fifty-three years, Herman Heard; one son, Christopher Easly; two daughters, Lee Ann Jones (Steven) and Darlene Cattrell; eight grandchildren, Krystal Lee, Chrisshauna Roberts (Cecil), Antoine Scott, Sr. (Sylvia), Rodney McCarter, Jr., Brandy Mayo, Seguoigo Jones, Sequoyah Barton and Chase Cattrell; twelve great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be Saturday, at 11 a.m. at the Living Word Baptist Church, 5617 Sulphur Springs Road, with Pastor Isom Cross officiating.
Interment will be at the Graceland Cemetery with services entrusted to the P.K.Miller Mortuary.
Visitation will be Friday at the Old Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, from 5-7 p.m.
Mrs. Heard will lie in repose at the church on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until the time of service.