On Jan. 8 the Goldsboro City Council presented the following proclamation Monday night in honor of Ernestine Wooten, who died Jan. 5.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Mary Ernestine Whitted Wooten was born in Goldsboro on Mar. 10, 1925, to Mr. and Mrs. Earl Whitted, Sr., and was the fourth of eleven children; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Wooten married Mr. John Henry Wooten, Sr., and expanded their family through the birth of their son, John Henry Wooten, Jr., and their daughter, Nancy Victoria Wooten Coor; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Wooten graduated from Winston-Salem Teachers College (which would later become Winston Salem State University) with a Bachelor of Science degree; from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a Master of Science Degree; and completed professional teacher training programs through East Carolina University, the University of Arizona, and the Far West Laboratory for Educational Research and Development; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Wooten was the eldest member of First African Baptist Church, having served for 88 years, and served her church as a member of the 2009 Homecoming Steering Committee, an assistant Sunday school teacher, Sunday school pianist, a member of the finance committee, past chair of the history committee, past president of the Stitch and Chatter Ministry, past president of the chancel choir, and a member of the Church Dedicatorial Staff; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Wooten served her community as the first black Chairman of the Wayne County Democratic Party; served on numerous local, state, gubernatorial, and federal election campaigns; and served as a member of the Wayne County Board of Elections, Cherry Hospital’s Operation Santa Claus Organization, the Foundation of Wayne Community College Board of Directors, the Continental Society for Underprivileged Children, board member of the Wayne County Museum, board member of the Arts Council of Wayne County, board member for Old Waynesborough Park, member of the Opportunity Shelter Board, member of the Global Transport Development Commission, and Chairman of the Wayne County Social Services Board; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Wooten was a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Education Association, the Wayne County Historical Association, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; and

WHEREAS, she transitioned to life beyond her earthly home on Jan. 5.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Goldsboro City Council does hereby proclaim Jan. 20, 2024, as a day of remembrance and recognition for the life and many contributions of Mrs.. Mary Ernestine Whitted Wooten, during her 98 years of life. We wish her family peace and healing as they navigate this challenging time.