Earnest Batiste

Dad was born on April 14, 1939 in Opelousas, Louisiana to the union of Elijah Batiste and Pearl Rosette, of whom preceded him in death. He was one of 9 children; Beatrice, JoAnn, Barbara Ann, Patti Ruth, Beverly, Catherine Jean, Walter, and Eldridge, of whom preceded him in death.

During his early years, he left a formal education to work as a laborer, married mother in 1956, and initially welcomed four beautiful children, Mary, Billy, Earnette, and Shawn. Wanting his children to have a better way of life and opportunity, mom and dad stepped out on faith and moved the family from Houston, Texas to Los Angeles, California.

God blessed our daddy to achieve success by working at Children’s Hospital, one of the most recognized hospitals in the Los Angeles County, for over 30 years. Daddy’s strong work ethic and drive led him to continue his education, initially receiving a Surgical Technician Certification. He would later receive a second Certification which led to him becoming Supervisor over his department. He felt enormous pride knowing with hard work, perseverance, and mother beside him, he could achieve his goal.

Daddy always told us from an early age, there was strength in numbers. With that said, he and mother decided to expand the family. My beautiful sisters, Deidra, Tammy, and Lynette were born. He was very protective of who he would allow around us, knowing how important it was for his children to have a Godly influence. Even though he didn’t attend church at the time, he made sure we were at Bethel Church of Christ Holiness every Sunday morning, evening, and throughout the week. When he couldn’t drive us, he was always grateful for the love of faithful church members including Sis. Cleo Duncan, Sis. Bernice Benjamin, Sis. Precious Williams, Sis. Norma Bullock, and Bro. and Sis. Samuel Ross to transport us. He especially had great relationships with our friends. Norma and Precious would often come to the house after church and we would gather in the living room to sing church hymns, which later influenced dad to teach himself how to play a few songs on the piano.

He was proud of his family’s achievements, which included mother becoming a Practical Nurse, Deidra and Shawn’s military service, Tammy’s commitment to raising her grandchild and providing community support to those in need, Lynette working for the Dept. of Defense, Earnette becoming the first to attend college, Billy receiving a certification in using forklifts and crane equipment from Bethlehem Steele, and Mary working for the Los Angeles Times. Dad also raised two of his grandchildren, Michael Dawson and Maurice Gladney. However, he was most proud of who his children became as respectable adults; working closely as a family unit and living lives that reflect Christ, which led to him to obeying the gospel of Christ under the leadership of Pastor Arthur Hodges.

Years after retirement, dad began to suffer significant vision loss, due to an infection initially in his right eye and would later begin in the left. He was diagnosed with having Corneal Ulcers, which led to complete vision loss over a 6 year period. This would begin and later have a huge impact on his quality of life, which sadly start to affect his mental health. The love, support, and prayers from family and friends helped him to sustain some of the most difficult days.

At the end of life, he and mom would sit quietly and enjoy listening to God’s word and beautiful songs of praise. He was most excited when his grandchildren and great grandchildren visited. They would always bring joy and laughter to his heart. Each day he would express how grateful he was for God’s grace, mercy, and love toward him and the family.

My father leaves to celebrate his life-his loving wife Shirley; daughters, Mary, Earnette, Shawn, Deidra, Tammy and Lynette; and son Billy. He also leaves to loving memory a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, 7 sisters, 1 brother, relatives, and friends.

We thank you dad for being a great dad, disciplinarian, protector and provider. We promise to remember all the things you’ve taught us and how very much you loved us. For we know, to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord (ll Corinthians 5:8).