Ernestine Virginia Gatlin

Ernestine Virginia Gatlin, age 92, entered into Eternal Life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven, peacefully at her home surrounded by her family, August 23, 2024 due to heart complications. She was born November 7, 1931 in Hollister CA to Elizardo and Juanita Chavez and was later adopted by John Foletta, her stepfather. Ernestine, nick-named “Erna” grew up all over California. Her favorite place to live was the Foletta dairy farm, in San Ardo, CA. She would talk for hours of San Ardo, farm life, her favorite dog Wahoo, and her family. Erna and her sister Patricia spent all of their summers in San Ardo, CA. She also lived with her beloved grandparents in South San Francisco, CA, spending much memorable time there with numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and family. She spent her high school years in Oakland, CA, at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School where she had aspired to become a nun. However, she married her forever love, Billy T. Gatlin, in 1958. He preceded her in death in October, 1998. 

 Ernestine was the matriarch of her family leaving behind a few younger cousins, many nieces, nephews and extended family. Ernestine was preceded in death by her mother and father Elizardo and Juanita Chavez, and stepfather John Foletta, her sister, Patricia and husband, Earl Carlson, and her brother, Gary Dilling and niece Melissa Dilling. 

 Ernestine, was the best mom ever. Lovingly known as “Ma” or Ema, she was a trooper. Raising four crazy kids, a menagerie of pets, with a former navy seal, driving all over the country and even out of the country, it was no easy job, but she did it lovingly. After driving thousands of miles she never had one car accident or ticket. She even found time to make a full knitted dress with her knitting machine, and knitted many other things by hand. She also crocheted sweaters, afghans, beautiful dolls, and little crochet animals. She sewed her own clothes, made yo-yo quilts, beautiful paper tole art, hoop weaving art, and dried flowers to make potpourri. Ernestine also loved to garden. She had a green thumb and grew many assortments of flowers, vegetables and fruit trees. Her hands were rarely still. She also once won an art contest, and came in third place in the Fort Worth 5k zoo run, for her age group one year. She loved crafting and could always be found doing crafts and coloring with her grandkids. She also shared a love for cooking. She was a great cook, making memorable dishes, like her much-loved spaghetti and meatballs, rotisserie roast, bbq chicken and cubed steak sandwiches, as well as her mom’s cinnamon rolls and delicious holiday dinners. She loved eating Mexican food and Mexican pastries. 

 Ernestine worked at Owen’s Illinois, and later was a typist and secretary in San Francisco, taking the trolly to and from work. It suited her servant’s heart. 

 Her life was a living example of her love for God, her husband, her family, travel and adventure. Ernestine traveled extensively and lived in Texas for the longest part of her life in her final years. However, she always missed and loved her California family and life there.

 Ernestine is survived by her four children, son Billy T. Gatlin Jr. and wife Claudia, of Darrow, Louisiana, daughter, Erna Virginia Marvelli-Hastings and husband Stephen Hastings, of Fort Worth, Texas, daughter Sarah Ellen Hagelin, of Fort Worth, Texas, daughter Yvonne Marie Kauffman and husband Byron Kauffman,of Rhome, Texas, honorary daughter Karen Nagata, of Fremont, CA. Her grandchildren: Monica Wenona Kennedy & Clifford Segura, Elizabeth Anne Kennedy & Daniel Cusma, Michelle “MiMi” Christina Murray & Michael Murray, Marco Gatlin Marvelli & Lauren Lively, Illiana Segura-Hastings, Saoirse-Mae Erna Hastings, Laura Gatlin Califf & Nathan, Billy Gatlin lll, Adam Kauffman & Rachel, Stephen Kauffman & Amy. Great grandchildren: Damian Segura, Gabriel Cusma, Israel Cusma, Makayla Murray, Miyah Murray, Maren Murray, Saylor Kauffman, Romy Kauffman, Theodore Kauffman, baby boy Kauffman on the way, Emerie Califf, Cole Califf, Cooper Califf, all of whom she loved deeply.

 Until her health made it impossible to travel, Ernestine loved and was an active member of her church at Calvary Cathedral International for 26 years, where she was the oldest member of the choir, and a children’s church worker. If hugs could be a ministry, Ernestine was a minister of hugs. She also enjoyed soul winning with the outreach ministry. She led many people to the Lord with the script. Ernestine more recently attended church online with Impact Christian Center. She also watched Harvest Ministries and Mercy Culture. She enjoyed watching Daystar TV and seeing her fellow choir member, Sharon Tinsley, singing with the daystar singers. In her many travels, Ernestine found places to work in her other churches as well, wherever she was living, she served the Lord as a Sunday School teacher and choir member. 

 Please join us in celebrating her life Monday September 23, 2024 for a viewing from 5-7 p.m. Celebration of Life on Tuesday morning September 24, 2024, between 11:00 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. BROWN OWENS & BRUMLEY FAMILY FUNERAL & CREMATORY 425 S Henderson Street. Fort Worth, Texas 76104. (817) 335-4557

Immediately following, in procession, a graveside service will be held at the National Cemetery at 1:30, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy. Dallas, TX. 75211. For directions call: (214) 467-3374

 In lieu of flowers, send FLOWERS, LOTS OF FLOWERS! Ernestine loved flowers!

 Ma loved the color blue. Please honor her by wearing blue if you choose on this day.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6710368058?pwd=oA1oNfjUVHNvgmNeaY0fBHxYONF9B3.1&omn=89605588145 

 Meeting ID: 671 036 8058 

Passcode: 0425