Ernestine Pate McDaniel was born on January 8, 1918, in Adamsville, Alabama, to the late Frank and Bertha Dobbs Pate. She was the second born of three children, Mozelle and Ora Dean. She was blessed with parents who instilled in her to always be the best that she could be and reach for the stars. Ernestine, affectionately known as "Barney," had been a member of Mt. Carmel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church starting in her infancy. She later professed her love for Christ and accepted him as her personal Lord and Savior when she was baptized as a child. She continued to support Mt. Carmel C. M. E. Church in Adamsville, Alabama, spiritually and financially after relocating to Olive Branch, Mississippi, to live with Renee and Larry, her daughter and son-in-law, in 2007. From time to time, she continued to visit and worship with her Mt. Carmel family. Ernestine loved her church and served compassionately and wholeheartedly in numerous positions. She served as the past recording steward, church historian, choir member, stewardess, Sunday school teacher, and district and annual conference representative. Most recently, she served as Matriarch of Mt. Carmel C. M. E. Church and always put GOD at the CENTER OF HER LIFE.

She attended Adamsville Elementary School, Alden Junior High School, and graduated from Fairfield Industrial High School in Fairfield, Alabama. She enrolled in Miles College, located in Fairfield, Alabama, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. After graduating from Miles College in 1942, Ernestine continued her education by attending and receiving a Master of Arts degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Ernestine played an active role with the Miles College National Alumni Association and loved to attend the annual conferences throughout the United States. Former Miles College President Dr. George T. French, Jr., declared her the oldest living Miles College graduate in 2016.

Ernestine met her late husband, Amos McDaniel, while both attended Alden Junior High School. While Amos served in the United States Army during WWII, she began her professional career in Sulligent, Lamar County, Alabama, as an elementary school principal. During her first year as an educator, she married Amos on January 16, 1943. After living in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, Ernestine returned to Mulga Elementary in Mulga, Alabama as a first grade teacher while Amos returned to war. Once her loving husband returned from war, she continued to teach at the following schools: Praco High School in Praco, Alabama; Docena Elementary School in Docena, Alabama; and Crumly Chapel Elementary School in Adamsville, Alabama, where she retired in 1980. After retiring, Ernestine took time to enjoy traveling to different countries with her dear friends and spending time with her family. Ernestine dedicated her life to being a long-time educator, public servant, community leader, and championing the causes of those in need. Mrs. McDaniel also was heavily involved in local political activities. She served on the personnel board of the City of Adamsville where she helped the citizens with employment and worked as an officer/registrar during local, state, and federal elections. She, along with others, was also instrumental in starting the federally-funded Headstart Program in the Adamsville community in the early 1960s.

Ernestine's community service journey was extensive and full of adventure. She was a founding/ charter member of the Alpha Sigma Zeta Chapter in Birmingham, Alabama, of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; past Associate Matron of the Order of Eastern Star (OES) Purity Chapter #21; past president

Precious Memories of the Glasgow Hill Cemetery Association; past member of the Alabama Democratic Conference; a member of the Alabama Retired Teachers Association; life member of the NAACP; and other civic/ service organizations. Upon moving from Alabama, Ernestine continued to fulfill her spiritual needs by attending church at Golden United Methodist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, with her family under the leadership of Reverend Charles G. Elliott, Sr.

During her time on Earth, Ernestine lived through numerous pivotal moments in United States history, including two pandemics, the Spanish flu and what we're living through now, COVID-19. She also lived through the Great Depression, World War I, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and so much more that she shared.

Those who knew and loved Ernestine will remember her incandescent smile, generosity, strong will, and devotion to her family. She has now joined in Heaven her loving husband, Amos McDaniel; parents, Frank and Bertha Dobbs Pate; daughter, Elizabeth A. Johnson; sisters, Mozelle P. Murphy and Ora Dean Pate; nephew, Willie "Bill" Colvin; great-nephew, Russell Samuels; and niece, Vera R. Samuels. She is survived by: her daughter, Reneé M. Hardaway (Larry); grandchildren, Undrea Hardaway Kennedy (Wil), Dr. Amelya R. Hardaway, and Terry Johnson, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Willie James Kennedy IV, Amos André Kennedy, Alexander Pate Todd, Makayla Johnson, Kendra Johnson, Mykele Johnson, Mykhai Johnson, and Terry Johnson III; great-nephew, Frederick N. Samuels, Esq.; son-in-law, Terry Johnson, Sr.; goddaughter, Chala Suzette Ford (Mike); and a multitude of other relatives, church members, sorors, colleagues, former students, and special dear friends.

Throughout her life, she was known as a lady of grace, dignity, and professionalism who believed that EDUCATION is the pathway to success.