Buelah “Ernestine” Smith
October 22, 1933 - February 20, 2025
Buelah Ernestine Smith, age 91, of Bear, DE, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025, holding the hands of her children who she lovingly referred to as Sarah Jane and John Henry.
Born in Wolf Trap, VA on October 22, 1933, she was a daughter of the late Ernest McGuffin and Mary Emmaline (Burnett) Brammer.
Ernestine’s life began and ended with family.
After losing both of her parents as a teenager, her sisters stepped in and raised her. She met the love of her life at age 17 after which she quit high school, got married and traveled to the West coast before taking residency in Florida for a short period of time. In mid-1950’s, they returned to Delaware, settling in Bear, where they built their forever home and started a family.
Ernestine’s interest in words allowed her to build an extensive vocabulary which complimented the lessons she learned through real life experiences. However, she also felt that it was very important that she finish her formal education, so she enrolled in night school and graduated with her high school diploma, at the age of 45.
During her 36 years of working and managing Mr. Donut and Dunkin Donuts she was most passionate about serving customers, especially her regulars. Her quick wit and prankster nature made everyone she encountered smile and brightened their day. She favorably touched the lives of both customers and employees, evident by the people that she remained in touch with, well after she retired.
Ernestine was happiest when she was sharing with her family and friends. This included not only at Christmas but throughout the year. Since she loved the beach she would arrange Wildwood, NJ beach trips where she invited so many friends and family that the floors and tables would be used for beds.
She cherished her family especially her grandchildren and those that called her Mommom, always available to offer a ride or advice. In the evenings, she could be found at someone’s ballgame or school event or splashing in the pool. She loved the trips to the Dollar Tree and the squirt gun fights almost more than the grandchildren. When she cooked with the grandchildren, she had a knack for modifying recipes which always resulted in interesting concoctions.
In addition to her parents, Ernie was preceded in death by her husband, Donald R. Smith; and siblings, Marvin Brammer, Ethel Wyatt, Alice Fisher, Margaret Brammer, Edith Farley, Barbara Vest, Mildred Felty, and Arlene Goodman. She is survived by her children, Teresa L. Hensley of Newark and Donald R. Smith, Jr. (Kimberly) of Elkton, MD; grandchildren, Stephanie Hensley, Benjamin Hensley, Courtney Yetter, Buddy Smith, George-Anne Smith and Abigail Smith; 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren with 2 additional on the way.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ernestine’s memory to The Paris Foundation at P.O. Box 812, Elkton, MD 21922 or online by clicking here.
Janet grebe
Dear Ernestine you were a wonderful person I always enjoyed your time we spent when you would come to the bank. You can now rest in peace and enjoy your husband and all your friends in heaven.
Your friend Janet
Joyce Browne
Tessie your Mom always had a smile and a hug! She welcomed the Pappys girls as her own!
Sorry for your loss.
Paul Robinson
Such a beautiful soul. Always made me feel welcome and important even when I knew she wasn’t feeling her best. The world needs more people like her. She left behind a beautiful legacy.
Michelle
Teresa, Donnie, and family, I was so blessed to have know such a dear, loving, and kind woman. Our times together were so precious. Ernestine treated the Robinson’s like family and we all loved her. And oh her love for all of you was so evident to anyone who had the privilege of meeting her. Her family was everything to her. She will be missed but the memories are priceless and will be cherished. She is home with her love and in the arms of her savior. Praying for your hearts as you miss her and grieve her loss.
Karen Lewis
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with her for a year at Dunkin Donuts. She was a great boss. Sending my condolences and prayers.
Becky Reynolds
Tessie and Family,
Sorry for your loss. Thankful for All your Blessed Memories of your Momma. Love you.
Carole
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories as there are many. Right now there is a reunion of the Brammer Family and Uncle Donald in heaven, oh my the stories and laughter. Your guardian angel has gained her wings and will forever be in your heart.
Lisa and Jeff Cirillo
Dear Donny, Kim, Theresa and all of the extended Smith family, we are so very sorry for your loss. You have many fond memories that will give you comfort now, as well as smiles and laughs in the future. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Lisa and Jeff
Marie Swift
Oh Ernestine Thank you for hiring me at Mister Donut many years ago The memories I will Cherish forever You were loved by many people for sure You were one dedicated person while doing your job and beyond Every one was like family To the Family my Prayer and thought are with all of you Ernestine was one of a kind Thank you for sharing her with us
Nancy Harvey
Aunt Ernestine was my favorite relative on my Dads side of the family l loved her visits and gifts and talking to her on the phone she was a great lady will miss her greatly love and prayers she is in a better place love always Nancy
Brenda R Baldwin
You will be missed my friend.I met you four years ago, During COVID, we were talking about the Bible over the phone as we were doing phone preaching work, And we have been speaking ever since. You will be in GOD’S memory. The Bible speaks about a resurrection at Acts 24:15, and John 5:28,29 I will see you again my friend🧡
David Wallace
Mom would always make you feel like the only person in the room.
She asked poinent, relevant questions about ,’real life’.
What a blessing to share a few and too brief moments w/ this larger than life soul!
No wonder her kids/ grandkids were her pride and joy. My life is a better place because I know them & her.
With Jesus. Like Jesus, dear soul
sharon wingo
Teresa & family, My Thoughts & Prayers are with you. May your cherished memories help you through this troubling time. Always remember her beautiful smile. Hug’s, Sharon Wingo.
Nancy
Ernestine was an amazing person who provided Dunkin the best customer service. I have to this day never received the outstanding customer service that Ernestine provided Dunkin. Her warm welcome when you pulled up to the window, to even taking the time to get to know each customer, and her willingness to make your visit to Dunkin the best it could be. I learned from her and tried to provide the same service to my customers at a local bank. May Ernestine rest in peace as she was such a hard dedicated worker. God Bless you Ernestine.
Teresa Neyman Sokolek
Go and Rest in Love and Peace Aunt Ernestine ❤️. You and uncle Donald were the sweetest relatives anyone could ask for. With Love to my cousins, God Bless, she will be missed and never forgotten ❤️.