Ernestine (Mills) Black

Ernestine Mills Black, age 90, of Sanford, NC, passed away Friday, December 12, 2025 at her home, with her family by her side.

She was born in Harnett County, NC on March 11, 1935 to the late Charles Allen Mills and Cara Lenora Collins Mills.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-father Conley Johnson; husband Rev. Lloyd Carlton Black; sisters Lannie Lambert, Betty Forbes; grandson Brandon Jewell and son-in-law Jeffrey Johnson.

Ernestine was retired from GKN Automotive and worked many years in other industries around Sanford as a machinist.  She was a loving and faithful member of Lemon Springs Baptist Church and her ministry was cooking and sharing her delicious food with others.  She was an avid sports fan, especially the Atlanta Braves and Duke Blue Devils.  More than anything, she was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her children Lloyd Carlton Black, Jr., Jan Black Smith (Leo), Louise Black Thomas (Steve), Melanie Black Ellis (Ken); sister Ruth Mills Buffkin; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Lemon Springs Baptist Church on Monday, December 15, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.  The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Brian Caldwell officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family wants to thank her caregiver and grandson Benjy Denkins for the years of loving care he gave to their mother.

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