Ernestine Riddick

Early on Friday morning, February 5, 2021, God dispatched an angel to Mother Ernestine and gently said, “It’s time to come Home, your mansion is ready.” Because of her love for Jesus and her longing to be with Him, we can only imagine her smiling and saying, “Yes and Thank You Lord.”

The oldest of eight children, Ernestine Riddick was born on October 23, 1921 to the late Idonia Wiggins Riddick and Clyde Riddick.  She completed high school at T. S. Cooper in Sunbury, NC.

She was joined in holy matrimony to Linwood Riddick, Sr. (known as Honey Money). To this union, God blessed them with seven children.

Mother Ernestine Riddick started her spiritual journey at Palm Tree Baptist Church in Suffolk, Va. After a few years of serving there, she joined the membership of New Piney Wood Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Drum Hill, NC under the leadership of Rev. E. M. Lewis. Later she united with Mission of Hope Church under the leadership of Pastor Virginia Ruffin. She remained a faithful member until her health failed. She worked in the missionary field, sang in the choir, played the piano and was also the Mother of the Church.

Mother Ernestine was a talented sewing machine operator. She especially loved to sew clothes for children. She was a wonderful home maker. Passing by her house, you could often see her working in her flower gardens, a hobby that she loved.  In her early years, going shopping with her daughter Shirley, and visiting New Jersey with her daughter Joyce Jones and her family, were great joys. She  and dad enjoyed the rides and going different places with their son, Jr.

In her later years, her son Carlton would take her grocery shopping and to visit her favorite store, Belks. Bobby Jean always kept her grounded about Christ and she always called on her to fix things and assist with solving problems. Michael was always her “baby boy”.

Mother Ernestine, 99, lived a life of longevity that was fruitful, memorable, and joyous. Preceding her in death was her parents, her husband, a son, Vernon Gene Riddick; two grandsons, Maurice Riddick and Ronald Jones; four sisters, Dorothy Riddick, Eva Gholson, Ruby Gholson, and Helen Walkins; three brothers, Oliver Riddick, Wendell Riddick, and James Riddick

She leaves to cherish her memories to three sons, Linwood Riddick, Jr. (Emma), Carlton Riddick (Selma) both of Gates County, and Michael Riddick of Murfreesboro, NC; three daughters, Shirley Lyons (Elder Curtis Lyons) of Suffolk, Va, Joyce Jones of Piscatway, NJ, and Bobby Jean Knight (David) of Gatesville, NC; 20 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Sarah Ruth Riddick; one brother-in-law, William Baines; her best friend who she talked on the phone with a lot about Jesus, Mrs. Dora Lee Pruden; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive members of the community on Thursday February 11, 2021 at the funeral home from 3:00pm-6:00pm.  A celebration of life will take place on Friday  February 12, 2021 at 11:00am at the Upper Room Assembly.  Ms. Riddick's final resting place will be at the Wiggins Family cemetery in Suffolk, VA.

Due to the COVID 19 restrictions, the celebration of life is limited to immediate family and very close friends.

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