Ernestine "Tina" Williams

On a hot summer day in Chicago, Illinois August 17, 1953 a Queen was born Ernestine T. Jones to Ernest Jones and Pearl Thomas, whom would later in life affectionately be known as “Tina”.

Tina was however raised in Madison, Illinois where she went to school and graduated from Venice High School. She was an avid roller-skater and obtained several trophy’s back in the day. She loved singing and had a voice of an angel at Friendship Baptist under the leadership of Rev. Lonnie C. Calmese. After graduating she started her modeling career in Chicago for Ebony Magazine and Fashion Fair, even appearing on billboards. Tina then gave birth to her first son, who preceded her in death Dwayne Haynes Jr. She would later have her second blessing a son by the name of Kareem Harris. Tina worked various jobs in St. Louis and would occasionally model from time to time. She then married the love of her life Sylvester Silas Sr. “Big Sco” and to that union her third blessing was born Sylvester Silas Jr. "Lil' Sco".

Tina accepted Christ at an early age and was a proud member of New Salem Baptist Church at that time under the leadership of Rev. Henry Allen until he passed. She then was under Bishop. John Henry Williams who then became her Pastor and went on to be under his leadership again at New Shining Light Holiest Deliverance Non-Denomination Church where she sang in the choir in Venice, Illinois.

Later on, in life Tina found love again as the songs says, on a two-way street and married Ronald M. Williams who preceded her in death. She then retired from Bellefontaine Habilitation Center as an Activity Director. After Tina’s health began to decline, she demanded to move to Michigan City, Indiana to be with her “little-big sister Robin” at her request until the Lord called her home. She was crazy about her sister!!! Nobody could mess with her Sister "Robin” who would become Tina’s personal and best caregiver and nurse until the Lord called her home. While visiting Church with her sister Tina joined Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor James E. Lane Jr. and sang in the choir until her health again began to decline. After staying with her sister for a while Tina decided to move to Silver Birch assistant Living Homes where they also took good care of her. It will be very quiet there now that she’s gone, but everyone will miss her loud mouth, presence, smile, infectious laugh, and a few choice words as she called it “Snap, Crackle and Pop”!!!

On a cloudy day the same day that her oldest brother Douglas was called home, “Tina” was promoted from Earth to Glory on March 4, 2023 at Silver Birch of Michigan City. She was preceded in death by her parents: Ernest Jones and Pearl Thomas, two husbands: Sylvester Silas Sr., and Ronald M. Williams, one son: Dwayne Haynes Jr., two brothers: Jerry Bennett and Douglas Johnson Sr., maternal and paternal grandparents along with a host of other relatives who awaited her arrival at the gates of heaven.

Tina leaves to cherish her unforgettable memories and legacy, two sons whom she adored: Kareem (Shayna) Harris of Clarksville, Tennessee; Sylvester (Kristen) Silas of Wright City, Missouri; one bonus son: Vincent Brown of Belleville, Illinois; one sister whom she cherished to life Robin (David) Ford of Michigan City, Indiana; one sister in love: Mable Johnson of Granite City, Illinois; three grandchildren: Kermeisha Harris, Kamera Harris and Kareem Harris Jr., three great-grandchildren: Kaiden Harris, Rylan Harris, and a special grand-daughter that was born the same day as she was Abrielle Harris, two special Aunts: Estella Washington of St. Louis, Missouri; and Annette Washington of Chicago, Illinois; two special nieces that she treated like her daughter: Shondra Fields of Michigan City, Indiana; and Martina Adams (who was named after Tina) of Chicago, Illinois; other special nieces and nephews: Douglas Johnson, Ivan Johnson, Shantavia Berry, Tia Berry, Patricia Berry, Dezon Johnson, Reginald (Crystal) Fields, Marlon Stewart, Stephon Stewart, two special cousins: Ernest T. (Denise) Washington of Elkhart, Indiana; Michael (Samantha) Herrod Sr., of Merrillville, Indiana; a Special friend: Earl Rogers of St. Louis, Missouri; five friends that were dear to her heart: Valerie Ollis, and Rita Starnes, both of St. Louis, Missouri; James Etta Reed of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Evelyn Franks of Atlanta, Georgia; and Jeanetta Haynes of Madison, Illinois; one godson: Joseph Ollis of Springfield, Illinois; a bonus brother in love: Bishop Charles Reginald (Rose) Fields Sr. of Collinsville, Illinois; her honorary Bishop: John H. (Linda) Williams of St. Louis, Missouri; three special caregivers: Kathy Martin, Sandy Steward, and her special cook Costenia Patrick (Co-Co) all from Silver Birch, along with a host of Church families, Special great- nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of life will be Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11:00am Mt. Zion Baptist Church 123 Helen St. Michigan City, Indiana 46360 with Bishop John H. Williams to do her Eulogy and Bishop Charles R. Fields to do Eulogy. Viewing will be 10:00am until time of Service, with Pastor James E. Lane Jr., to Officiate. A burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Illinois (time and day to be announced). At her request please "WEAR SOMETHING RED TO SERVICE'. 

Tina’s love, laughter, presence, and smile will be sorely missed by all that knew her.

Repast will be at the Hope Center 222 McClelland Ave. Michigan City, IN 46360 immediately following services.

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