In my father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:2-3

Ernestine Inez Shaw departed this life on March 31, 2026. She was born in Prince George County, Virginia, to the late George and Madeline Epps on March 31, 1942. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Stanley Shaw; brother, Welford Epps, and her sister, Katie Epps Jones.

At a young age, Ernestine accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. Her faith and understanding of Christian values grew stronger, which helped her navigate life's complications and challenges. Her faith was unwavering, and it was evident that she had the light of the world, which shown brightly wherever she went. She was a faithful member of Mount Hope Baptist Church of Prince George, Virginia, until her passing.

She was a graduate of J.E.J. Moore High School in Disputanta, VA.

Her work history includes bartending and serving in Trenton, New Jersey. She later returned to Virginia and worked in the food service industry with Prince George Country Club, Hewlett-Packard, Mackie (Service America), Reynolds Aluminum, and Dairy Queen. She retired from the Hopewell Public School system after over a decade of service.

She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, cooking, grilling, fishing, bowling, dancing, making homemade wine, hosting the BEST cookouts, and caring for the elderly. She loved her church family and her little companion, Muff-Muff.

Ernestine was a faithful and dedicated member of the Radiant Temple #1200 of Hopewell, Virginia, for many years.

Ernestine leaves to cherish her memory: two loving and caring daughters, Yvette McCray of Hopewell, VA, and Johnise Brown of Fredericksburg, VA; five grandchildren, Karl McCray, Tevin McCray, Michael Stith, Jazmine Stith, and Jada Stith; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles Epps (Brenda) of Dinwiddie, VA; two sisters, Ruth Harris (Quinn) of Douglasville, GA, and Carolyn Williams (Allen) of Owings, MD;

Also left to cherish her memories: sisters-in-law, Grace Epps, Reverend Clarentene Jones of Hopewell, VA, Flossie Bailey of Williamsburg, VA, Pearl Thompson of Spring Grove, VA, Lucille Shaw of Spring Grove, VA, and Helen Shaw of Waverly, VA; brothers-in-law, Robert Shaw of Petersburg, VA, Charles Shaw (Barbara) and Carl Shaw (Ruth) both of Spring Grove, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and amongst them devoted friends, Carolyn Brown of Richmond, VA, and Ronnie Hill of Petersburg, VA.

Though our hearts are heavy, we will truly miss all the special moments Ernestine brought into our lives, and we will rejoice knowing she is now free from all hurt and pain, and is now resting in God's arms. Her legacy will live on through the family and friends she cared for and loved.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Mt. Hope Baptist Church, 10300 Lawyers Road, Prince George, VA, the Rev. Clarence M. Thweatt, Jr., Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow in the church cemetery.

Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5859989?fl=so&fe=fs