Earnestine Gates

Earnestine Yvonne Gates, affectionately called Jumpkin or Von, and lovingly known as Mom and Nana, left this world to join her Lord and Savior in Heaven on May 18, 2025.

Earnestine was born in Fairfax, OK, to Catherine Williams and Curtis Waters, and was the eldest of seven children. She fondly recalled growing up with a host of cousins next door and loved reminiscing about her childhood, especially time spent with her grandparents.

Earnestine received her LPN license from Pioneer Area Vo-Tech in Ponca City, OK while raising four children—a reflection of her incredible work ethic and determination. For 30 years, she was an indelible advocate for all in her care. Nursing was her calling, and she found deep joy not only in caring for patients, but in supporting their families.

She was a deeply resilient woman who endured many hardships, including the tragic loss of her eldest daughter, Vernadette. Through that grief, she often said, "If I can get through that, I can get through anything." She was a force. We rejoice at the thought of their reunion after 30 years.

Faith steadied her through all. She was a faithful member of Followers of Christ Baptist Church, and after the pandemic, she continued to listen every Sunday. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23, which she carried in her heart.

Her grandchildren could always light up her face. She cried at everything—happy, sad, or sweet—and it was endearing. Her love showed up in countless ways, but perhaps most memorably in her cooking. Her sweet potato pie, salmon patties, meatloaf, and fried potatoes have fed generations with love.

Earnestine also loved sudoku, long conversations with friends, and tending her garden. She was warm, well-liked, but never afraid to speak her mind when needed. Her spirit lives on in the people she loved.

She was preceded in death by her father, Curtis Waters; her daughter, Vernadette Barnes; sister and brother-in-law, Pamela and Robert Bullock; and brothers, Eugene Stevenson and Charles Johnson.

Survived by her mother, Catherine Williams; aunt, Mildred House and uncle, Curtis Williams; sisters: Sherry Clark, Paula Thomas (Virgil), Veronica Williams and sister-in-law Jane Stevenson. Her sons, Jerome Barnes and Pierre McKinney and daughter, Tarae McDonald; granddaughters Kortnee Turpin (Ethan), Jade Hawkins, Brianna Barnes, and grandsons, Baron Barnes and Keon McKinney. And four great grandchildren. All of whom she had the greatest pride in.

Funeral services will be 2pm Thursday, May 29 at the Sweet Home Baptist Church in Fairfax. Burial will follow in the Fairfax City Cemetery, Block Q. Arrangements are entrusted to Hunsaker Wooten Funeral Home, view Earnestine’s guestbook online at www.hunsakerwootenfuneralhome.com