Earnestine Sanders Peterson was born August 21, 1947 to the late Earnest and Amanda (Brown) Sanders. She was the 3rd child of eleven children.

Earnestine was preceded in death by her parents, 1 sister; Mary Lee Sanders, 4 brothers; Eddie Dean, Willie Lucas, George Wiley, and Roy Lee Sanders. 3 nephews; George W. Sanders Jr, Willie Sanders Jr, and Jerry Ivy; 1 niece, Bunnie R. Sanders; 3 special children; Melvin Smith, John Smith 3rd, and Henry Yarbourgh.

Earnestine confessed hope in Christ at an early age and joined Union Chapel CME church where she remained a member until closure of the church. Growing up, Earnestine used to pierce ears of so many young girls throughout her community. She also played a role as a beautician.  Earnestine was fond of gospel music. She was a collector of gospel vhs, cds, and dvds. She affectionately loved to cook, she would always say she learned how to cook when she was nine years old. Cooking and caring for her family were her legacy.

Earnestine was a unique woman in her own rights. She didn't have prestigious accolades, degrees or awards. She generously supported her family and everyone she encountered.  Her unwavering love and steadfast devotion to her family and friends stood out as her most significant achievement.

Earnestine departed life on this side, February 08, 2026, at Baptist Jeff Anderson, surrounded by her loved ones.

She leaves to cherish her immaculate love: one daughter, Lesia (Marvin) Jones of Macon, MS; two sons, Earnest Tyrone (Susie) Sanders of Brooksville, MS, William Jermaine (Shandra) Sanders of West Point, MS; four grandchildren, Sheunna Jefferson of Pontotoc, MS, Marlecia (Jonathan) Jones-Latham, Shamia LaParis, and William Jr all of West Point, MS; five great-grandchildren, Malaysia, Maleek, Jaylen, JaKhari, and Hannah; her plus two grands, Shajadakiss and Logan.

She also leaves to share her love: two lovely sisters, Mollie Ivy and Betty Jefferson, both of West Point, MS; four brothers, Rev. Earnest J. (Rose) Sanders, Maxie Lee Sanders, John Sanders, and Fred Earl Sanders, all from West Point, MS; two beautiful aunts, Willie Dell Sanders and Greta Gardner, both of Columbus, MS; three special sons, James Smith, Arie Smith, and Dewitt Smith all of Macon, MS.

She leaves behind so many other special grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, very close cousins and friends