Evangelist Ernestine B. Carter

Evangelist Ernestine “Tina” Berry Carter, affectionately known as “Grandma Tina” entered this life November 24, 1935 and received her final calling December 24, 2022. She was born in Stevenson, Alabama to the late Milton and Etta Ruth Berry. An unforgettable child with unknown gifts and potential that would later become evident. She is preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Etta R. Berry; her children, Usher Raymond III, Linda and Connie Raymond; sister, Leona Bradley; aunts; uncles; and other relatives. She received her education in the Chattanooga, Tennessee public schools and was in the class of 1953 at Howard High School. She received her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse and furthered her education by becoming a Registered Nurse in 1974, graduating from Cleveland State Community College. She was the first black admissions nurse at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, TN and also the first black nurse for the “Ask A Nurse” program. She was called to the ministry by the Lord in 1971, at times she struggled due to women not being accepted; however, she acknowledged this call in 1990. In 1993 she was given a vision, E.B.C. Outreach Ministry. This is a ministry that reaches out to hurting people; meeting needs and healing hurts. The main focus of the ministry since 1998, has been to those incarcerated and their families. She oversaw the Intercessory Prayer and Fasting Group, as well as served as a Life Coach. Her goal was that people would repent and become who God created them to be. The main scripture of The EBC Ministry was Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” She was ordained in 2001 as an Evangelist and later ordained as an Elder in 2005 by Pastor Betty Hairston in Columbus, Ohio. In 2007, Evangelist Ernestine was a part of the first graduating class of “Stop The Madness Program” for community leaders to address social struggles. Evangelist Ernestine was often recognized and has received many awards; they include a Certificate of Excellence and Distinguish Citizens Award for dedicated services and spiritual needs of the citizens of Hamilton County in 2006. In March of 2009, Representative JoAnn Favors requested Evangelist Ernestine to do the invocation for “Day On The Hill” for the Tennessee General Assembly where she also received a Certificate of Recognition. In April 2009, she also received The National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s “Black Pioneer Women Award of Excellence” in the category of Health. Other awards include Certificate of Completion from Redemption School of Ministry and The Homage Award by the Black Excellence of Chattanooga Elite. Evangelist Ernestine was both honored and inducted in Bessie Smith Cultural Center as the first African American nurse at Chattanooga Memorial Hospital. Last, but certainly not least, Evangelist Ernestine has received the greatest award of all time, a “Well Done thy good and faithful servant” by her Lord, her Savior; Jesus The Christ. Over the last five years, Ernestine B. Carter was an instrumental advisor to the Christopher Wolf Crusade, and an advocate for its mission to prevent addiction and support all those who have been impacted. Evangelist Ernestine is survived by her children, Wava Raymond Brooks, Rena Oden, and LeTina Raymond Carter, all of Chattanooga, TN; one niece, Carolyn Macon (Floyd) of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Marcus Raymond Smith, Richard Brooks, Jr., Usher Raymond IV, Ushyra Raymond, Ursula Parsons, Connie Jones, Deon Suttles, and Tomiko Johnson; two adopted grandsons, Wilbart “Vedo” McCoy, III and Ramal Henry; 11 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; godchildren, Maxine (James) Jones of Chattanooga, Cammy (John) Rice of Atlanta, GA, Kimberly Johnson of Columbus, OH, Rochelle Harrison of Texas, Elder Henrietta Erskine, Greg Funderburg, and Minister Thomas Brown, all of Chattanooga; a host of other relatives, extended family and friends. Bishop Kevin L. Adams, Sr. will be the eulogist.

Evangelist Ernestine B. Carter

November 24, 1935 - December 24, 2022