Mary Ernestine "Tene" McGiboney

Mary Ernestine “Tene” McGiboney, 92, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 11, 2023. Ernestine was born December 28, 1930, the first of twelve children born to J.N. and Mary Eunice (Story) Hamilton. She grew up on the family homestead between West Point and Griffithville where her rural American values, work ethic and willingness to help others grew strong. After graduating from West Point High School in 1948, she moved to Searcy and later married Frank O. McGiboney, on April 30, 1955. Frank and Ernestine spent fifty-five faithful years together raising five children, they always considered to be their greatest accomplishment in life. Ernestine enjoyed a 45-year career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Starting out, her people skills were an asset as a friendly switch band operator (oh, the stories she could tell…). Her sharp mind and reliable work experience made her a great fit as a drafting clerk in the engineering department until her retirement in 1991. Ernestine was a proud and faithful member of Searcy First United Methodist Church. She was treasurer of the Murray Sunday School class, a member of the United Methodist Women and a dedicated member of The Thrift Shop. With her uncanny kitchen skills, she was always a popular contributor to the annual bake sales. She always treasured the special friendships she formed with other UMW members such as Peggy Burkett, Susan Hall and Karen Millar, to name a few. Retired FUMC minister David Orr considered Ernestine a “remarkable saint of Searcy United Methodism,” upon hearing of her death. She made everyone feel cherished and included. Preceding her in death, her husband, Frank O. McGiboney; brothers, David Hamilton, Macky Hamilton and Jimmy Hamilton; and sisters, Lou Hubach and Ann Rogers. Left to cherish her memory are her five children; Mary (Steve) Reynolds of McKinney, Texas, Alice (Paul) Weeks of Mc Rae, AR, Sheila (Jonathan) Annable of Conway, AR, James “Bud” McGiboney of McMinnville, TN, Brenda (Tim) Killough of Searcy, AR; thirteen wonderful grandchildren, Caitlin (Geoff) Giaque, Megan (Brent) Farris, Alan Reynolds, William Weeks, David (Brooke) Weeks, John Weeks, Sam (Suzanne) Annable, Lindsey (Trey) Mardis, Mason (Elizabeth) McGiboney, Avery McGiboney, Dr. Tori Opalecky, Mary Julia Killough, and Luke Hamilton Killough. Great grands include Mary Kathryn and Travis Giaque, Barrett and Bryson Farris, Jameson Weeks, Bolton and Kaius Annable, Brooklyn Mardis, Ryan and Blake McGiboney. Siblings are Alice Barker, Martha Crigger, Jackie Bordelon, Jane Manasco, Nicky Hamilton, and Gary Hamilton. As well as a host of nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Oakdale Nursing Facility and Elite Hospice. Also, her special caregivers, Judy Davis, and Connie Smith with Southern Caregivers. Visitation will be at 9:00am with service to follow at 10:00am, on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Searcy First Methodist Church. Burial will follow at White County Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be sent to The Sunshine School, 901 Airport Loop, Searcy, AR 72143 or Jacob’s Place 2104 West Beebe-Capps Expressway, Searcy, AR 72143. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Mary Ernestine "Tene" McGiboney

December 28, 1930 - September 11, 2023