August 26, 2025, 93, Goldsboro —

Ernestine Barnes Cuddington gained her heavenly wings on August 26, 2025, on her 93rd birthday. Ernestine was born in Wayne County on August 26, 1932. She was the daughter of the late Levie and Lela Belle Barnes and the wife of late Jimmy Cuddington.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Velma Rose Sullivan. Ernestine was a faithful member of the Union Grove Free Will Baptist Church and a member of the ladies’ auxiliary. Her home was always place warmth, where the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals and where family gathered not just to eat, but to share laughter and the enduring bond she so gracefully nurtured, whether it was Sunday dinners or holiday feasts, her kitchen was the heart of the family and a place where memories were lovingly made.

Ernestine is survived by her son, Gerald Cuddington; her grandson’s, Jamey Cuddington (Michelle), Kevin Cuddington (Chelsea); the apple of her eye were her great-grandchildren, Macie and Hannah Cuddington, Carson, Easton and Cooper Cuddington,

The family extends heartfelt thanks to her cousin, Wanda Starling, Angie Glover and 3HC for their devoted care and compassion in her final days.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in chapel of Shackleford-Howell Funeral Home in Fremont. The family will greet friends following the service. A graveside service will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Simon Holland Cemetery in Fremont.

Flowers are welcomed, or memorial gifts may be directed to Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557.

The family is in the care of Shackleford-Howell Funeral Home in Fremont.