Mary Ernestine Galbreath

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Mary Ernestine “Ernie” Galbreath, age 84, entered God’s eternal life on January 23, 2026, surrounded by her children. She was born on October 2, 1941, to a phosphate miner and homemaker, Alfonzo and Louise Roberts.

Ernie was known for her generous spirit, her sense of humor and her contagious laugh. She was a long-time member of Scribner’s Mill Church of Christ where she cherished her discipleship with them.

She was a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and sister in Christ. Her faith grew through many trials and tribulations, and in walking through them she set a lasting example of faith and courage. That example will continue to live on in those who survive her.

She is survived by her daughters: Pam Galbreath, Kim (Wendell) Ketchum, and Lawanda Galbreath; six grandchildren, Bryant “Bubba” (Sam) Galbreath, Courtney (Cal) Clark, Chris (Carly) Carrington, Hunter Ketchum, Colby Mitchell, and Brokk Norman; and six great-grandchildren, Cutler Clark, Callyn Clark, Harris Galbreath, Katherine Galbreath, Crew Clark, and Jack Carrington.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Donald L. Galbreath; her son, Ronny L. Galbreath; her parents, Alfonzo and Louise Roberts; and her sisters, Ruth Cochran and Tootsie Delk.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, January 29, at 2:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, with Joel Love and Bryan Basham officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will visit with friends from 12:00 p.m. until the service time.

The family suggests that memorials be made to Rose Hill Cemetery, P.O. Box 1011, Columbia, TN 38402, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com.

Active pallbearers will be her grandsons, Bryant Galbreath, Chris Carrington, Hunter Ketchum, Colby Mitchell, Brokk Norman, and Cal Clark. Honorary pallbearers will be Joel Potts and Ron Barnes.