Mary Jane Ernst

Mary Jane Ernst, born on April 4, 1951, in Champaign, Illinois, peacefully passed away on March 8, 2025, in Gulfport, Mississippi. A proud graduate of Gulfport High School, class of 1970, Mary dedicated her life to serving her community and her family.

For many years, she pursued a fulfilling career at Memorial Hospital of Gulfport. Mary was not only a devoted professional but also a cherished member of her community, known for her strong faith and active participation in local churches. She attended the Church of the Nazarene in Long Beach and the First Pentecostal Church in Slidell, where she found joy and fellowship.

Mary leaves behind her loving family. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Jane Sungail, and son-in-law Chris; her son, Charles Nathan Ernst, and daughter-in-law Stephanie; and her beloved grandchildren, Jessica Jane Sungail, Samuel Miskell, Lola Ernst, and Isabella Ernst. Additionally, she is remembered by her niece, Barbara Doyle, who cared for her in the years proceeding her death; her great-nephews, Jay Grimsley and his fiancé Faith Lowe, and Jeff Doyle and his spouse Jessica; and her great-great-niece, Elaine Doyle.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Wilson Sparks and Lola Louise Stratton, and her sister, Melvina Sally Kaneer.

A visitation in honor of Mary will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Riemann Family Funeral Home - Gulfport, located at 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS 39503. Following the visitation, a memorial service will take place at 2:00 PM, with a graveside service concluding the day's events at Evergreen Gardens.

Mary Jane Ernst's legacy will forever be cherished through the lives she touched with her compassion, kindness, and unwavering love for her family and community. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Riemann Family Funeral Home is serving the family. Please sign the online guestbook, and share memories and photos at www.riemannfamily.com