On May 25, 2026, Ernestine Beech peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord at the age of 91.

Born in Jackson, North Carolina on April 25, 1935, Ernestine lived a life rooted in faith, family, love, and service. During the 1950s, her family migrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she attended and graduated from Kensington High School for Girls. Using the office management skills, she learned there, Ernestine began her professional career and quickly became known for her strong work ethic, dedication, and warm spirit.

Ernestine eventually met the love of her life, Wallace Beech, a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, who had moved north after completing his service in the United States Air Force. Their love story began in a movie theater, where the two first met. After a brief courtship, they married during the winter month of January — as Ernestine lovingly shared, Wallace “did not want to wait until spring.”

Together, Wallace and Ernestine built a beautiful life centered on love, faith, and family. They settled in Philadelphia and raised their three children, Cathy, Kevin, and Wendy. The family first made their home in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia before making a major move to Deptford, New Jersey in 1979, where they continued building a life filled with cherished memories and lasting community connections.

A woman of deep faith and quiet strength, Ernestine was a faithful member of Grace Temple Baptist Church in Lawnside, New Jersey for over 40 years and served devotedly as a Deaconess for more than 20 years. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the ministry and life of the church, faithfully serving on the Deaconess Board, the Ensemble Choir, and the Voices of Praise Choir.

On October 28, 2012, Deaconess Ernestine was honored and elevated to Emeritus Status in recognition of her faithful diligence, unwavering commitment, and years of dedicated service to her church family. Her congregation publicly celebrated her devotion and ministry with great love and appreciation.

Ernestine also dedicated much of her professional life to the Deptford Township Public School System, faithfully serving as a Service Aide at Shady Lane Elementary School for 37 years. Beginning her service on September 1, 1982, she became a caring and familiar presence to students, teachers, and staff alike until her retirement on September 1, 2019. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Ernestine also became a licensed school bus driver, proudly taking on the responsibility with the same confidence, care, and determination that defined every area of her life. Her kindness, patience, and dedication left a lasting impression on generations of children and colleagues.

In addition to her work in education, Ernestine also served as a dietary aide at Genesis Health Ventures in Voorhees throughout the 1990s, spending over a decade caring for and supporting those in need with compassion and dignity.

Outside of her professional and church commitments, Ernestine found great joy in gardening and caring for her plants. She had a special gift for nurturing beauty and life, whether tending to flowers in her garden or lovingly caring for the plants that filled her home. Gardening brought her peace and happiness and reflected the same patience, care, and gentle spirit she shared with others throughout her life.

Ernestine also had a playful and independent spirit that family and friends lovingly remember — especially her fondness for driving her pickup truck. She drove it with pride and confidence, proving that elegance and toughness could ride side by side. Those who knew her often smiled at the sight of soft-spoken Ernestine behind the wheel of her truck, enjoying every minute of the ride. She was also known for her infectious laugh — the kind that could make everyone around her laugh, even if they did not know what was so funny. Her joyful spirit and warm presence brought light and happiness wherever she went.

Above all, Ernestine treasured her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother who cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. She especially enjoyed traveling alongside her husband of more than 43 wonderful years.

Ernestine leaves to cherish her memory her three beloved children, Cathy, Kevin (wife Dionne), and Wendy; her three cherished grandchildren Devin, Israel, and Jasmine; four loving nephews, Steve, Ronnie, Darren, and James; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Though she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, Ernestine’s legacy of faith, compassion, strength, devotion, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, church family, and the many lives she touched.