Wednesday, June 15, 2022 11:47 am

Ernestine Poteat, age 87, of Forest City, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Ernestine was born March 24, 1935 in Rutherford County to the late Ernest Smart and Dorothea McGinnis Smart. She was a graduate of Tri-High School and Isothermal Community College. Ernestine worked at the Haynes Plant for 42 years. Later, she worked in children's daycare and as a volunteer for the Auxiliary at Rutherford Regional Medical Center.

She was a member of Grace Chapel Foursquare Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Robert Poteat; daughter, Donna Moore; two grandchildren, Eric Poteat and Brandy Cash and an infant sister, Doris Smart.

Left to cherish fond memories are son, Ricky Poteat (Cheryl) of Forest City; one granddaughter, six great-grandchildren, and on great-grandchild.

The funeral service was held June 15 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with Rev. Ricky Poteat and Rev. Ernie Cole officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations requested to Grace Chapel Foursquare Church, 178 Cornwell St., Forest City, NC 28043 or Hospice of Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.