Ernestine Traylor

Ernestine Lewis was born to the late Nelson Lewis Sr. and Mrs. Luvenia Brown on September 24, 1937. She was the third child, and only daughter, born to this union. Surrounded by two older brothers, Ernestine developed courage and tenacity that showed throughout her life.

Ernestine moved to Memphis, Tennessee, from Arkansas, with her family as a young child. In Memphis, she flourished from a young child to the compassionate and caring woman that all grew to love.
Ernestine attended Memphis Public Schools and ended her education at Manassas High.

She accepted Christ at an early age, joining Gospel Temple Baptist Church where she enjoyed having her spirit fed.

In Memphis, Ernestine met and married her beloved Milton Traylor. She was 16 years of age. The two were happily married for a number of years. Although no children were born to this union, Mrs. Traylor nurtured and loved on others around her, including her nieces and nephews.

Upon moving to Detroit, Ernestine worked a number of years in janitorial services for Federal Mogul. The Detroit News was her final employer of 15+ years before entering into a medical retirement.

Ernestine, also affectionately known as Auntie, Ernie, Big Ern, and Mrs. Traylor, enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, playing Dominoes, and a sip of Jack Daniels every once in a while.

She was known for calling out to everyone as “Hey Baby”, telling it like it is, and doing things her way.

Mrs. Ernestine Traylor is preceded in death by her husband, Milton Traylor; parents, Nelson Lewis Sr. and Luvenia Brown; brothers, Nelson Lewis Jr. and John Lewis. She leaves to cherish her memory her sister-in-law Eula (Nelson Jr.); close friend Eula Brown-Smith of Memphis, TN; loving nieces Joyce, Elaine, Shani, Stephanie, and Shantell; nephews George, Keith, Anthony, John, Nelson III, and Pudgy; grandniece Makaela and grandnephew Delaine. Mrs. Traylor also leaves a host of other relatives, cousins, and friends to cherish her memory.

A special thank you to the caregivers that extended grace to Mrs. Traylor during her time of need, Belinda Smiley, Tracey King, and Marilyn Tilley.