In Memory of

Earnestine

Lynette

Harris

Obituary for Earnestine Lynette Harris

Earnestine Lynnette Harris was born on April 24, 1961, in Toledo, Ohio, to Luther and Lula Harris. She departed this life on September, 10, 2017 at ProMedica Heartland of Sylvania.
Earnestine never met a stranger. Everyone who knew her loved her. She had a fun-loving nature and a generous spirit. She was always the life of the party, but she would literally give anyone the shirt off of her back.
She was affectionately known by many nicknames including, Ernie, Erna, Auntie Busia, Peaches and Stine.
She graduated from Rogers High School and ultimately received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lourdes College at the age of 47. She was determined to be a college graduate by any means necessary and had a passion for learning. She also worked for several local companies, including GM Powertrain, Libbey Glass and TARTA.
As a professional counselor, Earnestine relished her role as a mentor and advisor to young people while working for behavioral healthcare agencies including Connecting Point and A Renewed Mind. She often went above and beyond for her clients and cared deeply about their progress.
Earnestine met the love of her life, when her son Mario Rosser was born on July 2, 1991. She and Mario’s father, John Rosser, devoted themselves to their son. Earnestine dedicated her life to ensuring that Mario received an outstanding education and exposed him to people from all walks of life.
She was a long-time member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior at an early age while attending Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.
Earnestine was also a well-known leader in the recovery community in Toledo. She organized and led meetings in various locations. She often spoke about how the principles she learned in recovery helped to shape her life and aided her in her Christian walk.
She was also a great athlete and played multiple sports. During her high school years she was on the basketball team and she participated in various softball leagues in Toledo for many years during the 1980s. She also was a member of Toledo’s semi-professional women’s football team for a few years.
Earnestine believed in supporting community events. She was a member of the committee that organizes the local Kwanzaa celebration for many years. Additionally, she cared about local and national politics and volunteered on campaigns.
Earnestine loved life and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She could talk on the phone for hours and she made everyone feel like they mattered. She was everyone’s best friend.
She will be greatly missed by her family and all of the many friends who came to love her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Luther Harris; brother, Tommie Lee Graham, sister, Lutherine Poston and her beloved pet dog, Jubilee the First
Leaving to cherish her memory is her son, Mario Rosser; mother, Lula Harris; brothers and sisters, Andrew (Marion) Graham, Vernice Blanchard, Marlene (Darrell) Taylor and Lindsey Harris; sister-in-law Sharon Graham; brother-in-law Steve Poston; former brother-in-law Pete Blanchard, Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Visitation will be Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the House of Day, 2550 Nebraska Ave. Wake services are Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by funeral service at 11 a.m. at Mt. Pilgrim Church, 1401 Hoag St. Toledo, OH. Pastor Raymond Bishop Officiant; Burial Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff of Heartland of Sylvania for the loving care provided for Earnestine during her final days.