Mrs. Jessie Earnestine Luman

Ernie was born on August 29, 1935, in Wilson, Arkansas, to Lucille and Ernest Rhea. She later made her home in Memphis, where she built a life rooted in devotion to family, hard work, and warmth.

On June 27, 1954, she married the love of her life, David Lee Luman, in Memphis. Together, David and Ernie shared a long and devoted marriage and raised two children, Michael and Iris, who were the center of her world.

Throughout her life, Ernie worked for several companies, including Dixie Cup, Humko, Singer, Holiday Inn, Schering-Plough, and Maybelline. No matter her role, she was known for her reliability, grace, and quiet strength.

Family mattered most to Ernie. She loved all things pink and had a deep affection for roses. She expressed herself through her jewelry, favoring delicate brooches and timeless pieces that reflected her warmth, elegance, and love of beauty. She often called those dear to her “darling,” a word that reflected her tender spirit. She loved lighthouses, the ocean, and the beach, and she never turned down something sweet. A natural storyteller, Ernie had a way of making people feel seen and cherished. She loved to read and, above all, had the rare gift of making you feel absolutely wonderful in her presence.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucille and Ernest Rhea, and her beloved husband, David Luman. She is survived by her loving children, Michael Luman (Rebecca) and Iris Sumner (Jack); her cherished grandchildren, Lauren Beasley (Jonathan), Caity Luman, Matthew Luman (True), Aaron Duke (Dawn); her great grandchildren, Maci, Eva, Coby, Ethan, Kameron; her great great grandchildren, River. She is also survived by her sisters, Linda Cater (Dale) and Elizabeth Luman.

“Time does not belong to us, but love does. Spend both wisely.”

Funeral information will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ernie’s memory to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

“Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in every story, every memory, and every quiet moment of the heart.”