Mrs. Ernestine Parker Thomas died on Friday, May 1, 2015, surrounded by her family at Vanderbilt hospital. She battled cancer for the last year of her life and fought with the effects of Multiple Sclerosis for the last thirty-six years. Despite the almost constant discomfort Ernestine endured, she faced each day with determination and grace. She loved socializing with friends and made events sparkle. Friends remember Ernestine for her easy smile, her shining personality, and her joyous laughter. She embodied both beauty and strength. Ernestine was born in Waverly, TN and was the daughter of the late Ernest and Mildred Webb Parker. Mrs. Thomas is survived by her husband Ray Thomas; daughters RaeAnne Thomas Pardue and her husband Mike of Murfreesboro and Kristy Thomas of Brentwood; brother, Mike Parker and his wife Stacie of Waverly; and three grandchildren, Caleb Bradley Pardue, Caroline Nicole Pardue, and Catelyn Scott Pardue. A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at 10:30 AM at First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, TN. Rev. Michael O'Bannon and Rev. Thad Austin will officiate. Graveside services will be at 4:00pm (EDT) at Smith-Wilkey Cemetery in Rhea County, TN. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Cornerstone Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers. Ernestine was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church, she loved her church family often helping with events and singing in the choir. Throughout her life, Ernestine loved sports and competition. She excelled at high school basketball, played golf and tennis, but later in life, her main love was bridge where she was a fierce competitor. She supported charity organizations like The March of Dimes, Charity Circle, and The Multiple Sclerosis Society. She adored MTSU girls' basketball and followed them faithfully. She was a 1960 graduate of Waverly Central High School and received her B.S. degree from Austin Peay State University.