Ernest Coward, Sr.

SERVICES: 11 AM WEDNESDAY AT BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCHBURIAL: BRANCH CEMETERYVISITATION: 6-9 PM TUESDAY AT OTT AND LEE IN MORTON AND 8-10:15 AM WEDNESDAY AT FUNERAL HOMEErnest Lee Coward, Sr.BranchOn Sunday, January 30, Ernest Lee Coward went home to be with the Lord. Born on October 11, 1919 to George and Onnie Pearl Wallace Coward, he was the last surviving child of his nine siblings. Ernest Lee lived his entire life in the Branch Community within 100 feet from the house in which he was born. An honorable and respected man, Ernest Lee touched many lives in the Branch Community. His never-ending kindness, love, and generosity will never be forgotten. A mischievous prankster, his smile and laughter, and his love for life brought happiness to everyone. Ernest Lee graduated from Branch High School in 1939. He took up homebuilding after graduating and built houses in Jackson, Brandon, Canton, as well as the surrounding areas. He was instrumental in constructing every building at the Branch Baptist Church, including a ceremonial bricklaying in 2008 at the new Fellowship Hall of the church. In the late 1930’s, Ernest Lee met his beloved wife Willie Grace Irby. They dated throughout high school and married in October of 1940. After 18 years of marriage, the Lord blessed them with a bouncing baby boy, Ernest Lee Coward, Jr, whom they called Ernie. Ernie was the center of their universe. As a young child, Ernie was just like his dad… mischievous. Ernest Lee loved to take Ernie to work with him; however, he forgot how kids love to do exactly what their parents did. One day, since Ernie had always watched his dad filing the tractor and vehicles up with gas from the large gas tank they kept by the house, Ernie decided he would help his dad by putting some gas in the truck. Except.. Ernie used the water hose instead of the gas hose. Ernie brought many years of joy and adventure to Ernest Lee and Grace’s life. In 1984, after struggling with cancer for 15 years, Mrs. Grace passed away. Throughout the years after her death, Ernest Lee traveled the US, visiting over 40 of the 50 states. In 1997, Ernest Lee began seeing the beautiful Ms. Mayzelle Thompson. They had only dated for a short time, so when he asked Mayzelle to marry him, she said “ But we’ve only been dating a little while.” Ernest Lee replied, “ yes, but we’ve known each other for over 50 years.” Mayzelle said yes, and they spent the next 14 years loving each other. Ernest Lee was a charter member of the Pisgah Lions Club. He was also a Deacon, Chairman of the Building Committee, and one of the oldest members of Branch Baptist Church. Ernest Lee leaves behind his precious wife Mayzelle, his son Ernie, and Ernie’s wife Sara ; three stepchildren, Tammy Brun and her husband Van, Lynn Brown and her husband Terry, and Joey Thompson, and six grandchildren. The family would like to send their love and gratitude to several very special people who shared their hearts and gave their time to take care of Ernest Lee over the last few years: Wilma Davis, Judy Flores, and Cyrstal Barthael, and Sue Torrence. Funeral services will be held 11 am Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at Branch Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held 6-9 pm today and 9-10:15 am Wednesday at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton. Rev. Michael Giles and Rev. Timothy “Bobo” Phillipson will officiate the services. Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton will be in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Branch Baptist Church, 3997 Measells Rd., Morton, MS 39117. The family would like to invite family and friends for a “Celebration of Life” of Ernest Lee Coward, Sr. Food will be catered by his life long friend Roger Penn owner of Penn’s Restaurant’s.

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