Martha Ernestine Sneed, a woman of boundless southern charm, made her quiet exit from the world on January 13, 2026.  Born on August 27, 1926, to James and Shella Holmes in Walcott, Arkansas, she led a life characterized by a warmth and kindness that touched all who knew her. Her effervescent personality and wisdom made her delightful company to be around.

Ernestine was a woman of many interests. Be it restoring antique furniture, gardening, sewing, or collecting glassware, she imbued every activity she undertook with infectious enthusiasm.   Her faith and her church were a very important part of her life and over the years she served in many ways including volunteering at a local mission and teaching Sunday school classes.  A familiar figure who 'never met a stranger,' Ernestine's outgoing nature and penchant for storytelling often made her the life of every gathering.

Her life was a testament to faith, hard work, honesty, and sticking up for what you believe in – values and principles she held dear and sought to instill in her loved ones by leading by example. One of her most cherished memories was becoming the 'best jitterbug dancer in Jonesboro' circa 1944, a title affectionately bestowed upon her by her sister, Lowanda.

She married Bill Sneed on August 1, 1954, and they were together for 60 years until his passing in 2014.

She leaves behind a loving family who will continue to cherish her memory.  She is survived by her daughter, Krista Edmiston, and her son, Greg Sneed and his wife Deborah; her grandchildren Amanda (Cameron) MacBride, Lindsey (Tom Anderson) Edmiston, Alexis (Alex) Hayduke, Tyler Brock, and Tatum Brock and great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Adelyn, and Tyson, with a fourth great-grandchild due May 2026, and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, her sisters Irene Priest and Lowanda Holman, her brother Jason Holmes, and her son-in-law Mack Edmiston.

Ernestine’s legacy as a loving mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother will forever remain etched in the hearts of her family and friends. Her irrepressible spirit and zest for life will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her.

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