Obituaries

1931                                                       Reflections of a Virtuous Woman                                             2023

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3)

Earline Helen Jones McGinister, born December 28, 1931, was the fourth child of eight born to Aonie, Sr. and Emma Lue Gist Jones.  Born and raised in Lexa, Arkansas, Earline was a dutiful daughter, who with God as a guiding source, was a mentor to her younger sisters, and a support to her older brother and sister.

“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (Samuel 16:7 KJV)

Earline was a lifelong member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church and dedicated her life to living as a Christian. All of her virtuous qualities are founded on her devotion to the Lord.

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10 NIV)

Earline attended school in Marvell, Arkansas, and graduated from M.M. Tate High School in 1949. On April 9, 1949, she started a lifelong journey of marriage and commitment with Earnest King McGinister, which lasted 70 years, until he went home to the Lord on May 11, 2019. Earline was a woman of dignity.  As a virtuous wife, she is worthy of praise for she added value to the home she and Earnest created for their nine children: Earnest Jr. (No-No), Aonie (Billy), Jefferson (Duck), Carnell (Bruce), Lafayetta, Wonda, Sheila, Tony, and Darryl.  She strived to empower and equip her children to live independent, productive, responsible, and caring lives.

“She sets about her work vigorously, her arms are strong for her tasks.” (Proverbs 31:17 NIV)

Earline and her family lived in the Lexa and Southland community before settling down in Helena-West Helena.  She was a hard worker, who was respected for her work ethic, friendliness, and gentle spirit. She was employed as a sales associate at West Gibson in West Helena, a Food & Nutrition employee for the Dietary department at Crestpark Nursing Home in West Helena, and she retired in 2001, as a Library Assistant for Central High School of the Helena-West Helena School District. As a virtuous woman, she exemplified diligence in her work.  She was a hard worker, whose work was fruitful and also made her stronger.

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)

On Sunday, August 6, 2023, at 10:05 a.m., while in the care of the Helena Regional Medical Center, a loving and caring earthly life transitioned to the heavenly realm.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Earnest McGinister, Sr.; three sons, Jefferson, Darryl, and Carnell; one daughter, Lafayetta; her parents, Aonie, Sr. and Emma Lue Gist Jones, her brother, Aonie Jones, Jr.; two sisters, Dollie Jones Gilcreast and Mollie Jones Johnson.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30 NIV)

Living as a woman of virtue, Earline was a meek and mild person; very humble, kind-hearted, and compassionate. She had a generous spirit.  With all that she had worked for and acquired, she freely gave to all, and desired to help others. Her loving and kind spirit will be remembered by her children: Earnest, Jr. (Judy) of West Memphis, AR; Aonie and Tony of Helena-West Helena, AR; Wonda Miller (Walter) of Helena-West Helena, AR; Sheila Anderson of Memphis, TN; thirty-five grandchildren, fifty-one great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Era Jean Cook of Dallas, TX, Cora Blakely of Helena-West Helena, AR, and Vera Phillips of Overland Park, KS; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” (Proverbs 31:25-26 NIV)

Earline was a woman of courage. She knew what she could control and courageously trusted God with what she could not control.  With God as her guiding source, she allowed Him to order her steps.