Evangelist Ernestine (Newman) Works

Evangelist Missionary Ernestine Newman Works was born in Caryville, Florida on January 22, 1936 and transitioned to her heavenly home on December 15, 2023 in Panama City, Florida after a brief illness. 

Her parents preceded her along with her sons: Charles A. Works and Travis D. Works; grandchildren: Alexis and Simone; great-grandchild, Jaylyn Karte; sons-in-law; Harry L Andrews and Michael Thompson; siblings; Ozell Newman, Clensy Roberts, Cleveland Roberts, Caretha Roberts Jackson, Mary Louise Roberts-Vereen and R.D. Roberts.

Evangelist Works is survived by her children; Carolyn J. Andrews of Caryville, Florida, Edward E. Works (Verna) of Caryville, Florida, Alvin N. Works (Ruth) of Atlanta, Georgia, Gail Works of Bonifay, Florida, Eric Works (Cynthia) of Panama City, Florida, June E. Lawson (Greg) of Dothan, Alabama, Michael A. Works of Marianna, Florida and Tyna Thompson of Caryville, Florida. Her siblings; Blanche Phillips (Clayton) of Caryville, Florida, Hiwatha Washington of Tampa, Florida, Kathleen Faison of Lakeland, Florida, Noreen Finklea, Tampa, Florid; 22 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Evangelist Works accepted Christ Jesus at an early age, later joining Spirit Filled Church of God In Christ, Caryville, FL under the leadership of Elder Eugene Banks. Based on the holiness doctrine that Elder Banks taught and her devout beliefs, Mother Works was encouraged to seek the Lord in starting her ministry and was ordained as an Evangelist on March 6, 1992.

Equipped with her ministerial license, she formed and incorporated Caryville Evangelistic Center, Inc. Within this ministry, a brick-and-mortar church, a radio broadcast ministry, and a prison outreach ministry were established. Many souls were saved, healed, and delivered under her teachings. In the latter years of her life, she returned to Spirit Filled Church of God In Christ serving under Elder Tony Howard, whom she loved along with all of the other brothers and sisters of the church.

As if her hands were not already full from her ministerial duties, in her private life, Ernestine also opened and operated a retail discount grocery store for many years with her then-husband Gus Works, Jr. This business venture served the town of Caryville and surrounding areas. She was an avid gardener, seamstress, and homemaker. She genuinely believed in the adage, “Whatever your hands could find to do, do it with all your might.”

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