Mrs. Earnestine Gipson Poke of 791 Cedar Drive, Ashburn, Georgia, died Monday, May 4, 2026, at her residence.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Ashburn, Georgia.  The burial will follow at Westview Memorial Garden in Ashburn, Georgia.

Earnestine "Tina" Gipson Poke, beloved daughter of the late Lanier Gipson, Sr. and Eveline Burgess Gipson, was born in Ashburn, Turner County, Georgia, on Sunday, September 1, 1946. She was affectionately called "Bird" in her youth and "Tina" by her friends and family.

Tina accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at a very young age. She was a member of New Mount Olive Baptist Church.

She matriculated through the Turner County school system. Upon graduating  from Eureka High School in 1965, she joined the work force.  She began her work career at Jaco Pants Factory as a pocket welt operator, helping construct and finish pockets on pants. When Jaco closed, she was hired by Lad and Dad, later known as Duck Head, where she continued in that role.

She also worked at CentraPak in Ashburn, Georgia, a company known locally for repackaging candy for M&M Mars. She worked here until she retired.

She was truly the life of the party. She had a contagious laughter that filled the room. She had an unforgettable personality, known for keeping everyone laughing, telling it like it was (whether you wanted her to or not),  and a phenomenal cook, especially those collard greens and cornbread. Whenever she was around, you knew there would be belly laughs, spirits, and a good ole time. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Tina transitioned early Monday morning, May 4, 2026. She was preceded in death by her son Robert Calloway, her husband, Eddie Poke, Sr. her father, Lanier Gipson, Sr.; her mother, Eveline Burgess Gipson, her brother, Timothy Gipson; her brother, Darren Gipson, her niece, LaWondo Gibson and her brother-in-law Joe Rogers.

Tina leaves to cherish her memories and legacy her daughter, Tamalyn Gipson Lawson (Rico), grandsons Kerrick and Keronne Smith, granddaughter, Kendal Lawson, grandson Tony Poke, great granddaughter Kylie Smith and great grandson Amiri Brown and siblings: Albert Gibson (Jeanne) of Albany, Georgia, Mattie Gipson Lawson (Willie Dave Lawson, III) of Albany, Georgia, Lanear Gipson, Jr. (Mary Nell) of Ashburn, Georgia, Annie Jean Gipson Manning of Ashburn, Georgia, Eileen Gipson of Ashburn, Georgia, Odessia Gibson Rogers (Raymond McCoy) of Ashburn, Georgia, Andrew Gipson of Las Vegas, Nevada, Anthony Gipson (Tracy) of Ashburn, Georgia and Currey Gipson of Tifton, Georgia; and a host of loving and faithful nieces, nephews, cousins,  other relatives and friends.