Ernetta Skipper

“Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.”

With profound sorrow and heartfelt love, we celebrate the life of Ernetta Skipper, who peacefully entered eternal rest in her sleep at the age of 40.

Ernetta was a beautiful soul whose life reflected strength, resilience, love, and unwavering faith. Although she endured many hardships, including a tragic automobile accident that left her physically disabled, she refused to let life’s challenges define her. Instead, she met each day with courage, determination, and a smile that inspired those around her.

One of the deepest sorrows of Ernetta’s life was the loss of her beloved daughter, Ja’nya Thomas, who preceded her in death on December 29th, 2018. The love between mother and daughter remained unbreakable, and Ernetta carried Ja’nya’s memory in her heart every day. Today, we find comfort in knowing they have been reunited in God’s loving embrace.

Anyone who knew Ernetta knew she loved to laugh. Her joyful spirit, infectious smile, and playful personality could brighten even the darkest day. She loved spending time with family and friends, creating lasting memories, and bringing happiness to everyone around her. Her kindness, compassion, and generous heart touched countless lives.

Ernetta was a dedicated and hardworking woman who proudly worked at Cornell University and Zaza’s Restaurant. She was respected by her coworkers and appreciated for her warm spirit, dedication, and genuine care for others.

She also shared a special bond with her lifelong best friend, Shatima Hernandez. Their friendship was built on love, loyalty, laughter, and unwavering support. Through life’s joys and challenges, they stood by one another, creating a lifetime of cherished memories.

Ernetta leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted parents, Karen Gilliam and Ernest Celestine; her sisters, Edrena, Dominique Skipper, Mariahs Gilliam, and Tamiko; her brothers, Eddie Gilliam, Curtis Gilliam, Rodney, Paul, and Chrisitan; her beloved niece and nephews, Latrisha Unique, Palaya, Anthony, Ma’nyriah, and I’Asr; her loving godmother, Alita Bentley; her cherished best friend, Shatima Hernandez; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, coworkers, and dear friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.

Although Ernetta is no longer with us in body, her beautiful spirit will continue to live in every smile she inspired, every laugh she shared, and every heart she touched. Her legacy of love, perseverance, and kindness will remain with all who were blessed to know her.