Mr. Earnest James Robertson

UTICA- Mr. Earnest James Robertson passed away on Monday, January 2, 2023, at the age of 83 while in the presence of his family. Earnest James Robertson was born on April 8, 1939, to his parents Tommie Lee Robertson and Marie Evans Pierce. Earnest “Ernie” was born in Crawford, Mississippi, spending his childhood years with “Big Mama,” learning to work in the fields, producing crops and raising cattle. As the story goes, he and his cousins played in those fields, and the cows were “like their toys,” but hard work was what it took to survive. Those early years influenced his work ethic and also brought him joy when he planted his yearly vegetable garden. After a few years he migrated to Kankakee, Illinois, where Earnest received his childhood education. In the early 60s while visiting his Uncle Charlie in Utica, NY, Earnest got stuck on Liberty Street when he fell in love and decided to stay. On July 3, 1964, he married Peggy Harvey. Instantly Peggy was entrusted to parent his three daughters and Earnest was entrusted to parent her daughter. In their union they had one daughter- a real life “Brady Bunch.” Earnest was a “girl dad!” He had six daughters and survived the daily drama of a house full of girls—each one he “spoiled,” and taught them all everything he’d teach a son, and he did the same for his granddaughters and grandsons. Earnest was a Mr. Fix-It for the neighborhood, and he turned garbage items into gems that could rival any invention. He prided himself on teaching his family how to use his newly created tool, and whatever it was, it worked! Earnest also loved hunting and fishing, especially with his close friends Mr. John Lacy and Mr. John Frazier. In addition to loving the outdoors, Earnest was also a skilled musician, and he played as the lead guitarist for a gospel group that played in local churches and other venues. Over the years Earnest worked in various capacities, and just within the last five years he retired from Hubbell Galvanizing where he enjoyed meeting new people, none of whom were strangers after the first “hello.” Earnest is survived by his wife, Peggy Robertson; his daughters, Cynthia Obeya, Joyce Haden (Kelvin), Monique Heyward (Quinten), Melissa Jackson, and Dietra Harvey. He also leaves behind to mourn his loss fifteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren, one with whom he shared a birthday (Zayveon). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Mary Kay Mayo; and grandson, Morgan Minor. The Robertson Family would like to thank the family and friends who provided extra support during the last few years, and the medical professionals that provided care, including Visiting Nurses and Hospice and Palliative Care. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, from 10:00-11:15 a.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Earnest’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation. Those unable to attend may be present for services virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82957394780. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest.

Mr. Earnest James Robertson

April 8, 1939 - January 2, 2023