Ernestine Bobo

On April 27, 2023, the Lord called his daughter Ernestine Bobo home. Although we grieve the loss of the Matriarch of our family, our hearts rejoice at the certainty of her eternal peace with our Heavenly Father. Ernestine was born on November 17, 1934, in Pass Christian, Mississippi, to Benjamin and Cecelia Isabelle. The 7th of 11 children, she often spoke of her beloved childhood with her cherished siblings and a father who would wake before the sun each morning to make sure that the fire was lit and warming the house before everyone woke. She grew up with many lessons on life, love, grace, and gumbo. She made sure to run her home the same way. She was preceded in death by her parents, 5 brothers, and 3 sisters. She is survived by a brother, Donald Isabelle (Linda), and a sister, Anna Acklin. Ernestine accepted Christ as a young child under the leadership of the Catholic Church. Her heart for serving others led to years of involvement and volunteer work with her church. She helped manage the Saint Mary's Thrift Shop for several years, and she also valued her membership in the Catholic African American Cultural Awareness Group. In addition to playing a vital role in those ministries, she was a mentor and friend to many. Her home was the heartbeat of her community, always buzzing with family and those she welcomed as family. If you knew her, you know she was always a class act. Ernestine had a flair for fashion and interior design. She was a displayer with Home Interiors for over 30 years, hosting shows that empowered other women to create beautiful living spaces. Ernestine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She met the love of her life, Lee C. Bobo, and they were married for 65 years. They spent the first part of their marriage traveling the world as a United States Air Force family. In 1974, Lee retired at Eglin AFB, and they planted strong roots in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Together, they raised four daughters: Angela Onianwa, Toni Britton (Bobby), Patrice Bobo Miles (Michael), and Leah Bryant (Kelvin). She was immensely proud of her five grandchildren: Britney Llantin (Jemsy), Derrick Blackman, Celise Blackman-Schumacher (Ryan), Aaron Miles, Alyssa Miles, and Jaxon Bryant, as well as her two great-grandchildren: Nora Llantin and Emme Llantin. Her family was her greatest joy, and her legacy lives on through them. Ernestine had a very large extended family, and she is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Funeral Mass occurred on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 110 St. Mary Ave SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. The family had received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Graveside services followed at Beal Memorial Cemetery, 316 Beal Pkwy NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Following the graveside service a Celebration of Life Reception was held at Noon at Beachside Community Church, 200 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. Ernestine will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.