Ernestine Dodson Whitfield

Ernestine Dodson Whitfield, of Burnsville, MS, formerly of Port St. John, Florida, passed away on October 9, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Iuka. She was born on October 6, 1940, in Burnsville, Mississippi.

Ernestine will be remembered as a woman who enjoyed the simple and meaningful things in life. She loved people and never met a stranger. She loved writing and published six books. Ernestine took pleasure in playing Bingo, and had a deep interest in genealogy. Her love of family history reflected a desire to understand and preserve the stories that connect one generation to the next. 

She was also a member of First Baptist of Port St. John, Florida, where her faith was part of her life and community.

Ernestine is survived by her children, James Dodson (Beverly), Michael Dodson, Carl Dodson (Anita), and Tim Whitfield; grandchildren, Robbie, Josh, Lindsey, Jamie, Jackie, Todd, John, Melissa, Amanda, James, Eva, and Maia; great-grandchildren, Graden, Scarlett, Dylan, Jayce, Hunter, Cassidy, Caleb, Waylon, Summer, Autumn, Charlie Jr., Gunner; sister, Norma Jean Julen; and niece, Lesa Elliott (Bobby). She was preceded in death by her parents, Millard and Onie Blakney; daughter, Debbie Speece; daughter-in-law, Diane Dodson; siblings, Lorene Johnson, Christine Spoon, and Billy Blakney.

Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. Those who knew Ernestine will remember her for the life she lived, the interests she cherished, and the quiet ways she made an impression on others. Her memory will be held with love and gratitude by all who knew her.