M.F. Riley's Funeral Home | Fairfax, SC

Obituary For Mother Earlene "Ms. Uttie" Jenkins Ferguson

~LIFE'S PORTRAIT OF MOTHER EARLENE JENKINS FERGUSON~

"The Singing Lady, The Lady with the Cleanest Yard in Fairfax"

Mother Earlene Jenkins Ferguson, affectionately known as "Ms. Uttie, was born December 24, 1922 unto the late Katie Wesley Jenkins and the late Bobby Jenkins in Allendale County, South Carolina. She was the second of seven children.

At an early age, she joined Emmanuel R.M.U.E. Church of Gifford, South Carolina. Her faith in God never wavered. She loved God and she served faithfully in the following capacities: Choir member, President of the Senior Choir, Missionary President, Vice President of the District Missionary Society, Usher Board, President of the Willing Workers, Treasurer of the Willing Workers, Class Leader and the Mother of the Church.

Favorite Scripture that she Loved to recite: John 14: 1-6 "Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled"

*Favorite Songs to Sing* If You Can't Help me, Please Don't Stop Me!" "It's Me Again, Oh Lord" "Hide Behind the Mountain" "This Old Building" "God Has Smiled On Me" "Anywhere You Fix it Lord" "Thank You Lord"

Mother enjoyed attending Sunday Morning Church Service and visiting countless churches to attend their Revival Services. She was known as: The Singing Lady, and the Revival Lady.

She was educated in the following grammar schools: Gover Hall School, Cherry Grove School, and Platts School up to Grade 7. Most of her adolescent years were spent farming.

Places of Employment includes: NYA OF Hampton, SC, VC Fertilizer Plant of Savannah, GA, Southeastern Shipyard of Savannah, GA, The Barber's Motel of Fairfax, SC for 15 yrs, Brunson Laundry in Brunson, SC for 13 yrs and she served as a dedicated and faithful Receptionist/Funeral Attendant with M.F. Riley Funeral Home for over 50 years. She began under the leadership of The Late Marion F. Riley, Sr.

Ms. Uttie had one of the best kept yards in the Town of Fairfax. She would rake and clean her yard sometimes 2-3 times a day. While in her yard, she would watch the funeral home to ensure everything was in tack. Also, during her leisure time she loved sitting during visitations at the funeral home. She took pride in her work and she made certain the families were well taken care of.

On September 22, 1945, she was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, the late James Ferguson. To this union, one daughter was born, Annie Ruth Mitchell.

Mother Ferguson displayed her strength, determination, and love for everyone daily.

In addition, to her husband and parents, she is predeceased in death by, her daughter, Annie Ruth Mitchell, (6) Siblings: QB, Curley, Bill, Helen, Nollie and Charlie, along with (1) Adopted Son: Marion F. "Sonny" Riley, Jr.

Our loved one has gained her angelic wings, and God has gained another angel. On the morning of Monday, March 22, 2021, Mother Ferguson departed this earthly life in the comfort of her home in Fairfax.

Bereaving family, left to carry on her astounding legacy are: (1) Granddaughter, Shavonne (Troy) Singleton; Fort Mitchell, AL, (1) Great-Granddaughter, Trinity Singleton; Fort Mitchell, AL, (1) Son-in-law, Louis (Ernie Mae) Mitchell; Fairfax, SC, (1) Sister-in-Law, Fannie L. Forrester; Gifford, SC, A host of nieces, nephews, caring, generous cousins and thoughtful-loving friends.

"A SERVICE ABOVE SELF"

In extreme sadness, the caring professionals of M.F. Riley's Funeral Home is embracing with tender hearts the loss of our beloved Matriarch, Mother Earlene Ferguson.

Mother Ferguson, age 98, received her angelic wings early Monday morning at her residence in Fairfax.

Life Celebration Services will take place graveside on Monday, March 29th,11 A.M., at Emmanuel RMUE Church Cemetery, Gifford, South Carolina.

Moments of Viewing and Reflection will take place Sunday, March 28th, 2:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M., at M.F. Riley's Memorial Chapel.

The family will greet friends during the moments of viewing and refelction at M.F. Riley's Memorial Chapel.

IN LIGHT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC (Coronavirus)*** (no gathering or lingering in large groups). Once you view and sign the registry book, please exit to give others the opportunity to view.

You may email condolences to: mfrileysfuneralhome@yahoo.com

Please remember to keep both the Ferguson family and M.F. Riley's Funeral as we embrace this tremendous loss.

Guest Book

Aunt Uttie words can't express the sorrow we are feeling at this time, but we seek comfort knowing you are in the arms of our lord and Savior. Auntie Uttie you will truly be missed. Your loving neice Lisa jenkins and family.

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My condolences to the family. Nakia & Tamisha Snell

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To my dear friend Shavonne Singleton ,Our deepest condolences to you & the family . Grandma Earlene was such a beautiful woman of God ! Thank you for sharing her with us! We love you .

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Sending our sincere condolences to the family. Mr. & Mrs. Trawick

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Sending our sincere condolences to the family. Mr. & Mrs. Trawick

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Her life will be remembered by so many, for she was a "Godly and Saintly" woman. Our deepest sympathy to her family, church family and the Town of Fairfax. Sleep on, Mother Ferguson. WELL DONE! Pastor Wayne G.(Velma) Carter Mt. Olive Baptist Church Walterboro, SC

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Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the family members and everyone in the community who knew Mrs. Uttie. She was truly a shining star during revival services singing "I Got A Race To Run". She will be greatly missed. John Gregory & Family

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My condolences to the family, Venus B.Brooks

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Please accept our sincere condolences. Allendale County Sheriff Office

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May fond memories of Ms. Uttie bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Our heart and prayers go out to you and your family. A beautiful life that came to an end, she died as she lived, everyone's friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept, of one we loved, and will never forget. Church Revivals in Fairfax will not be the same without Ms. Uttie's voice. Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, in every gesture, dignity and love. Take your rest, "True Women of God". Carl & Catherine Love-Russell

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To the family of Mother Earlene i sending my deepest condolences she will be missed we love her dearly ❣️😭🙏 R.I.P! from the Shipman family!

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Mrs. Earlene will be missed. She had such a warm and friendly spirit. God has gained another Angel.....A. Lutrell Forester

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- M.F. Riley's Funeral Home | Fairfax, SC