Lula Ernestine Head Brawner Obit

On a cold winter’s day, in Wynne, Arkansas, a baby girl was born to Ernest O. and Lula Allison Head. And so began life’s journey for Ernestine Lula Head. Born January 17, 1922, she was the fourth child born to this family, losing her mother in death 9 days after her birth.
Being an engineer on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, Ernest was unable to care for his young family. The three older children were placed in the Methodist Orphanage in Little Rock but the orphanage did not take infants. Two ladies, Anne Rhodes and Pearl Campbell agreed to care for baby Ernestine.
As a young girl she attended the Christian Church in Wynne with “Aunt Pearl” and attended the youth activities at the Wynne First Baptist Church. She professed her faith in Christ at an early age and later became an active member of the Fitzgerald Baptist Church.
Ernestine was united in marriage to Odis Andy Brawner on September 18, 1937. They made their home in the Colt/Wynne area and were blessed with five children, three boys and two girls.
Ernestine worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 25 years, retiring in 1970. A hard worker, she excelled at gardening vegetables and beautiful flowers. She loved to cook and was known for the huge meals she would prepare for her family after church and during the holidays, especially the deserts.
Never meeting a stranger, Ernestine loved everyone and would do anything to help her family, friends, neighbors and even strangers. She always had a beautiful smile and a sparkle in her eyes for every one she met. Her interest included cross-stitching, crewel embroidery handwork, and listing to gospel and country music.
“Mammaw”, as she was lovingly known to her grandchildren, was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Every member of her family and extended family was most precious to her. She would always say “Mammaw loves you!”
On Tuesday, May 9, 2006, at St. John’s Regional Health Center in Springfield, MO, God called Ernestine home. Mothers Day will be this Sunday but Tuesday was a special Mother Day reunion between Ernestine, her birth mother and the mother that raised her, Anne Rhodes along with Pearl Campbell. Though our hearts a heavy and sad we know that our loss here on earth is truly Heaven’s gain.

Ernestine is survived by three sons:
Odis Scott Brawner, Sr. & Charlene of Lead Hill, AR
Barry Allen Brawner & Bettye of Jonesboro
James Franklin Brawner of Red Banks, MS
Two daughters:
Ann Sharon Turner & Jerry of Protem, MO
Lisa Carol Crowder of Searcy, Arkansas

Nine grandchildren:
Kaye Butler & Tim of Wynne
Andy Brawner & Amanda of Kansas City, MO
Odis Scott Brawner, Jr. of Harrison, Arkansas
Delani B. Brawner of Lead Hill, Arkansas
Marni Lathrop & Pat of Branson , Missouri
Bevan Brawner of Fayetteville, Arkansas
Begina Proctor & Kyle of Little Rock, Arkansas
Brandon Brawner of Jonesboro, Arkansas
Odie Jack Crowder and Shane Crowder both of Forrest City
Ten Great Grandchildren:
Kirkland Lathrop
Karagan Lathrop
Alisa Brawner
Tyler Brawner
Alyssia Brawner
Blake Harris
Landon Proctor
Milo Brawner
Mary Margaret Butler
Taylor Butler
and a host of other relatives and friends.

Her husband Otis preceded her in death on August 21, 1984. Her father, E. O. Head, foster mother, Anne Rhodes and Pearl Campbell, her brother Elva, and sisters, Lucile and Ernice also preceded her in death.