Ernestine Stovall

Ernestine Stovall was born on February 17, 1929 to the late Clarence and Irma Smith in Gonzales County, Texas (Elm Slough). She was raised in a loving, close and hard working family in the Elm Slough community on a farm where she was taught the importance of family sticking close together through thick and thin. She remained devoted and committed to her siblings and their families. She was one that you could call in the midnight hour and she would come running to your aid. She was the caretaker of her family, including her parents and her two brothers who returned to Gonzales in the latter part of their life and she cared for them until their deaths. Ernestine was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and two sisters. At age 96, she has outlived many of her family and friends. 

Ernestine married young to her one and only love, John ( Lil Jack) Henry Stovall. They were proud parents of three sons and two daughters. There were hands on parents to their children.

She and her husband worked hard to take care of their children, sometimes working two jobs to maintain a life style that exceeded their own. It was in their middle age that life's circumstances got their attention and they realized something was missing from their lives. They wanted to pursue their life's passions, for him-owing and raising livestock and for owning a catering business as she loved cooking and making people happy with her food. Stovall Country Kitchen became more than she had ever dreamed up until age 91, when she retired due to her health. Her business was profiled in the local newspaper and she was active in her children's businesses. She was a major consultant and supporter of her son, Timothy's trucking business and her daughter Carolyn's ministry. She was awarded the Honorary Lifetime Membership award with Missionaries with the Vision. After 48 years of marriage, her beloved husband was called home in 1992. She devoted her time to church, community and family and was actively involved in her grandchildren's lives, often a front row seat participant at all many activities. 

She was a faithful believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and was a member of Elm Slough UMC as a child and continued to serve and grow in her spiritual walk at Elm Slough and Henson Chapel until her health required her to relocate to San Antonio to be cared for by family. 

Ernestine was preceded in death by her husband and four children (Ira Ernest, John Henry Jr., Timothy Lynn and Annie Mae). She leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy, a daughter (Carolyn Stovall Gilbert), and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren. She will also be cherished by her adopted family, Linda and Mike Matehuala and family, who she loved as her very own. She also leaves a dear first cousin and friend, Annie (Sis) Williams, and a host of family and friend