Ms. Ernestine S. Scarlett

Ernestine S. Scarlett of Washita, passed away September 20, 2013. Ernestine was born January 10, 1923 to Frank and Nora Mayberry. Ernestine was a member of the Refuge Baptist Church. She was a loving mother and sister. Ernestine was the founder and owner of Donlon Construction Company of Nashville, TN and was the first female to receive a contractor’s license in the state of Tennessee. She also owned and operated the Fountain Motel in Hot Springs later in her life. She is survived by her sister, Helen Mayberry of Washita, her daughters Mary Lee Bunch (Milton) of Brentwood, Tennessee, Teresa Avery (Mike) and Kate Hilton (Jeff) of Benton and her son Bill Donlon of Bloomington, Indiana, her grandchildren Nick Avery (Courtney), Julie and Jared Hilton, John William and Grace Donlon and her great- grandchild Adriana Avery. Visitation will be held Sunday September 22 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida. Services will be held Monday September 23 at Refuge Baptist Church in Story at 10:00 a.m. with graveside services following at Reed Cemetery. Pallbearers: Jeff Hilton, Jared Hilton, Nick Avery, Ronnie Cescaline, John Gillham and James Scrimshire. Honorary Pallbearers: Bill McKim, Tracy Smith, David Wingfield, J.W. Scrimshire and Gary West. Memorials can be made to Refuge Baptist Church in Story in lieu of flowers.