Ernestine Sandefur of Denton, Texas, passed away peacefully on Good Friday, April 3, with her sons by her side. She was the loving wife of Walter Scott “Mickey” Sandefur III and devoted mother to Scott, both of whom preceded her in death.

She is survived by her sons, John and Mark, who will cherish her memories. Ernestine will be deeply missed by her family, church community, and dear friends, as well as her grandchildren, Scott and Laeken; her great-grandchildren, Carlie, Alexander, Scott, and Alayna; and her great-great-grandchild, Parker.

Ernestine loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, and mind, and found great comfort in her faith. She was ready to go home and be reunited with her beloved Mickey, and though her family already feels her absence deeply, they find peace in knowing she is at rest.

She was born on July 11, 1933, in Cypress, Louisiana. Ernestine married Mickey on October 20, 1950, just before he entered the Army. He was later spared deployment to the front lines of the Korean War. After completing his military service, Mickey pursued his education at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, earning a master’s degree in education in 1954.

In 1962, with three young sons—Scott, John, and infant Mark—the Sandefur family moved to Denton, Texas, where Mickey began his career at North Texas State University. Soon after, they found their church home at First Baptist Church of Denton. Ernestine remained a faithful member, attending from the very first service held at the Malone Street location in December 1967 and continuing for decades thereafter.

Ernestine will be fondly remembered by all who knew her for her kindness, warmth, and steadfast faith. She touched many lives through her work as an elementary school teacher in both the Krum and Denton school districts. She also faithfully supported and participated in several self-help and recovery organizations, sharing her compassion, strength, and light with others.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth for their dedicated and compassionate care.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, at DeBerry Funeral Directors. Funeral services will take place on Friday, April 10, at 1:00 at First Baptist Church on Malone Street in Denton. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ministry of First Baptist Church of Denton (1100 Malone St, Denton, TX 76201).