Alice Anne Stanfield Ernst passed away on October 20, 2023. Alice was born on April 17, 1934, in Big Spring, Texas to Frank and Margaret Stanfield. The family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas and then to Grand Prairie, Texas in 1941 where her parents worked in the defense industry during World War II. She and her brothers, Charles and James, attended Grand Prairie Schools. She graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1952 after being involved in many activities. She attended Arlington State College, now University of Texas at Arlington. In 1953, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Paul Wayne Ernst. They were married 59 years before Paul’s death. Alice worked for LTV, Grand Prairie Urban Renewal, Ryan Mortgage, and retired after 20 years from Baxter Healthcare. While at Baxter, along with her other duties, she was chairman of the company’s Community Outreach Committee, where they, among many other endeavors, volunteered at the Arlington Life Shelter. She felt her most important job was raising her sons, Stephen and Keith, and being involved in their activities. Her co-workers, friends, and church family were very important to her. Alice was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in 1966 and, at various times, served on the Vestry, Vacation Bible School, Altar Guild, Lay reader, managed the church bookstore, participated in Daughters of the King, and served in many other ways. When she and Paul retired, they built a home at White Bluff on Lake Whitney where they lived for 10 years, making new and endearing friends. During this time, Alice joined her first PEO chapter, and she and Paul traveled many exciting places. After Paul’s health declined, they moved back to Grand Prairie to be near his doctors. Alice was extremely proud of her eight grandchildren and stayed active in their lives; and then, joyfully welcomed eleven great-grandchildren into her life. She had a love for football from her early days as a Grand Prairie Gopher head cheerleader and marrying Paul Wayne, the standout football player, to then loyally cheering on her sons and grandsons football days— almost never missing a game. She was also an avid Texas Longhorn and Dallas Cowboy fan. Alice loved history, reading, bridge, supporting her grandchildren’s activities, and spending time with friends and family. She was a lifelong Democrat and passionately studied local and national issues. Alice (Grandmommy) was a kind and cheerful soul who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Alice is preceded in death by her husband Paul, parents Margaret and Frank, brothers Charles and James Stanfield, brother-in-law James Ernst, sisters-in-law Betty Stanfield and Joan Stanfield, and her son Stephen Ernst. She is survived by son Keith Ernst (Darlene); daughter-in-law- Carol Ernst; grandchildren, Lauren Shepherd, Holly Harper (Luke), Ryan Ernst (Lindsee), Laura Smitherman (Charlie), Brent Ernst, Aaron Ernst (Britta), Bryan Ernst, and Sammie Ernst; sisters-in-law Kay Musick (Gary), Jan Ernst, brother-in-law Joe Ernst (Gloria), multiple nieces and nephews, great-grandchildren Rex, Jack, Lily, Hawkins, Addison, Owen, Everett, Conner, Tessa, Johanna, and Sadie. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 2 pm at St. Albans Anglican Church in Arlington.
8 Responses
As a beloved member of our White Bluff neighborhood group, Alice brought us much joy. She and Paul Wayne were a blessing. I will miss. her and so glad she was my dear friend. Kay German
I will miss my dear friend. Our trips to the White Bluff neighborhood socials were fun times together. Our times with her and Paul Wayne in White Bluff were always special. She was beautiful and caring and loved her family and friends and we loved her. Kay German
Alice and Paul were good friends and neighbors in our White Bluff community. We are sad to hear of her passing and will miss her sense of humor and laughter. Our condolences to her family.
Alice and Paul Wayne and I graduated from the same GP high in 1952. She and I put in many hours putting together our last high school reunion. Shocked and saddened at the loss. Prayers for her beloved family and all her friends.
I want to offer condolences to the Ernst family from the Morton Family in Grand Prairie, Texas for this great loss. Mr. Ernst and his wife Alice and family were just great and genuine people and true Christians. I want this family to know how much I remember Mr. and Mrs. Ernst having me over for Sunday dinner as a kid in the late 60’s and how welcomed they made me feel. I still think about those moments today.
My family, the Delmas and Clarecia Morton Family, attended St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Grand Prairie with this family for decades. Steve was ahead of me and Keith and I were on the same Gopher Varsity Football teams.
Again, my condolences go out to the Ernst Family on the loss of this great woman who I think touched many lives, including mine.
Brunswick O. Morton
Words cannot express my sorrow for the loss of my friend, Alice. I loved her laugh and sense of humor. Her caring spirit was always a lift for me and we had many good times together. I was with her last when we went to see “Oppenheimer” together as she had such an interest in history. I will always remember when Alice and her friend Merle went to every rally for Barak Obama. They were certainly a pair. Alice is now with Merle, Paul Wayne and Steve. She was a very special person and a very dear friend. I will miss her laugh and sweet spirit.
Dear Stephen-
I’m writing to you on behalf of my mother Mary Gartman Fowler. We reached out to Alice in October to get together but she didn’t reply. I just found out by googling her …
I’m so sorry to read this. My mother has dementia. I’ve told her of the news. She loved Alice so much. She always said she was her very best friend. Your mother and father were the witnesses at my mom and dad’s wedding. I know she is resting easy now with her beloved Paul Wayne. I’d love to meet you someday if you would be up to it.
Sending you and your family so much love .
Warm regards
Karen Fowler & Mary Fowler
917.597.3346
Oh my goodness—-I addressed Stephen in my note and not you, Keith
My sincerely apologies!
Warmly
Karen Fowler