Ernestine Lena (Blackburn) Smith

Ernestine Lena Blackburn is the ninth of twelve children born to Harrison and Ida Blackburn. She is the last living sibling. Her parents and siblings: Harry, Walter, Grace, Beatrice, Fred, Cleo, Aline, James, Twins: Lorine and Pauline, and Ethel have all gone before her to Glory. On September 22, 2025, Ernestine celebrated her 100th Birthday!

Ernestine attended schools in the Kansas City, Kansas School District: ATTUCKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Grades 1-6; NORTHEAST JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, Grades 7-9. She Graduated from Northeast Junior High School, 1939. Mrs. Emma Zerr Pendleton made the white dress for the graduating girls; and attended SUMNER HIGH SCHOOL, Grades 10-12, graduating 1943.

She married Wesley M. Smith, Esq. Together they parented Diana M. Smith and Wesley M. Smith, III. Wesley and Ernestine opened their home to their nephew, Clarence R. Shaw, III. The marriage was dissolved.

Ernestine joined the Walnut Boulevard Baptist Church in 1958 under the leadership of her father-in-law, Rev. M.J. Smith. She was the oldest living member of the church; however, she shared the 58 years of membership with 3 others. She remained active until 2022. She was active in several church ministries including Church Historian, and President of the MJ and Bessie Smith Scholarship for over twenty years. She was a member of the Culinary Staff and served as Sunday School Secretary; She saved years of church bulletins and bound volumes for the church library. She was on the Mother Board and a member of the Women’s Mission Group.

FAMILY….BLACKBURN…….GREENE…….SMITH……JAKES………JACQUES…….VAUGHN Boy, did she love family and her family loved her. The yearly gatherings were a highlight. Remember Labor Day at Chunky’s? {Ernestine’s Nickname lovingly given to her by Family}. At her 100th birthday party more than 100 people shared in celebrating the occasion. Her work ethic was something to admire. Her employment history included the Internal Revenue, Topeka Air Force Depot, Richards Gebaur Air Force Base, Unified School District 500, and General Services Administration where she retired as an S.S.-9 Management Analyst. She received her associate’s degree from Donnelly College.

Ernestine’s passion centered around the N.A.A.C.P. She began working at the Kansas City, Kansas Branch in 1993 under the leadership of Dr. Charles H. Askew and Kansas State President, Mrs. Eliza Fletcher. Her positions included branch secretary, assistant secretary, office manager, and office staff. During Dr. Askew’s tenure, the Branch was influential in helping with the conviction of Officer John Cheek for killing security guard Milton Foster. She was ever present and involved in all other concerns of the Kansas City Kansas Branch. She served under the following presidents: Rev. Dr. Charles Askew, Mrs. Ruby Jones, Rev. Dr. Ellis Robinson, Mr. LaVert A. Murray, Mr. Nathan McLaughlin, Mr. Cedric Patton, and Mr. Richard Mabion. She has been honored with several awards and accommodations by the Branch. Ernestine received the first Mary Ann Flunder award in 2015. In 1985, she began working with the Sumner High School Association of Kansas City, Kansas as the Secretary. She retired as the secretary in the early 2000’s but continued her membership and attended in-person meetings before Covid-19. She attended every National Convention. At the upcoming 2026 Convention, Ernestine was to be honored as the oldest active living member of the Association.

Epitaph

A few interesting facts: I was an avid reader, The Kansas City Call Newspaper and the Kansas City Star Newspaper; A big gamer – BINGO was my game of choice; and if asked to bring a dessert count on it being my favorite: Cherry Jello with Whip Cream. I continued driving until November 27, 2022. (Age 97)

On November 28, 2022, I had a stroke. On December 2, 2022, I moved and became a tenant of the Life Care Center of Kansas City, Kansas. I enjoyed living there.

I met the Lord face to face, the morning of July 31, 2026.

I leave to celebrate my life, my children: Diana English, daughter; Wesley (Vonnie) Smith, son; Kevin R. Smith, grandson; Nicole D. Smith, granddaughter; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, N.A.A.C.P. members, Sumner Alumni from all classes, neighbors in the Home, the Administration at the Home, and friends. I love you!

Penned by Ernestine Blackburn Smith

Edited by gajh

Visitation will be held at Walnut Boulevard Missionary Baptist Church, 334 Parallel Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101, on August 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Followed by Funeral Services at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.