Ernestine "Ernie" Hepworth

Ernestine "Ernie" Hepworth, 80 passed away April 15, 2018 in Warner Robins, Georgia. Please join her family for a graveside service to be held Friday, June 22, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Gridley-Biggs Cemetery.

Ernie was a long time resident and teacher in Gridley, but up until the time of her passing, she made her home with her daughter, Teddi Hepworth Farrell and son-in-law Jim Farrell in Kathleen, Georgia.

Ernie was born in Amity, Arkansas on May 31, 1937. She was the first child of Claudus and Ova Brooks Sorrell. Ernie was married to Gary Hepworth, who preceded her in death on February 19, 2001. She leaves her beloved son, Timothy Hepworth and son-in-law Timothy Sweeney of San Francisco and her precious daughter, Teddi Hepworth Farrell and son-in-law Jim Farrell of Kathleen, GA. She leaves her grandchildren, Brianna Farrell, Shea Farrell, Madison Farrell, and Amanda Sideris, who were her greatest joy and light of her world. She is survived by her brother James Sorrell and sister-in-law Peggy Sorrell of Oklahoma and her brother-in-law Dennis Webber of Colorado. Her sister Gail Webber preceded her in death in 2014. Many precious nieces and nephews survive her as well.

Ernie spent more than 30 years in the classroom in Gridley, CA teaching first, second, and third grades. She worked in staff development in Butte County and at Chico State University and was recognized on the senate floor for being one of the first mentor teachers in the state of California. She especially enjoyed working with student teachers at the University, but loved her classroom! She missed the classroom in retirement, but kept in touch with many of her beloved former students and fellow teaching friends.

She was a long time member of the Peach Tree Lane Church of Christ in Yuba City, CA where she and Gary served as Educational Directors. She was most recently a member of the Center Point Church in Warner Robins, GA.

Ernie will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband and friend of 43 years, Gary Hepworth, in the Gridley- Biggs Cemetery.

Per her request, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation in honor of her granddaughter Madison, Feed the Children, Special Olympics or The Wounded Warriors Project.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mrs. Hepworth's arrangements.