Earnestine "Tine" Burley was born to the late Emmie C. Johnson and Rosa Lee Bell Johnson-Marcus on January 28, 1940.  She joined the St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. She united in holy matrimony to the late Mr. Jimmy Burley, Jr. To this union, five children were born.

Earnestine was a proud Camilla Consolidated High School graduate of 1958. She dedicated her life to nurturing people and nature, finding joy in caring for children, and tending to her beloved flowers. Her gentle yet strong spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Later, she became a devoted member of Habakkuk Missionary Baptist Church, where Earnestine served faithfully as an usher for many years. Her commitment to her church community remained steadfast until she could no longer attend services. She found great fulfillment in welcoming others into worship and ensuring everyone felt at home within the congregation.

Earnestine cherished time outdoors and took great pride in working in her yard. Whether cultivating vibrant blooms or simply enjoying the fresh air, she found peace and purpose in nature's beauty. Her love for children mirrored her passion for gardening as she nurtured young lives with the same care and devotion she gave to her flowers, watching them grow with pride and affection. She worked for many years at RCM Enterprises, Cagles, and Harold Pecan and was the owner and founder of Burley's Daycare.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Jeffery Gene Burley, her sister, Lizzie Ida Robinson, and other loved ones who welcomed her home with open arms.

She departed this life on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Archbold Living Pelham.

She leaves a legacy that her four children will forever remember: Jimmy Burley III (Tammy), Jennifer "Gwen" Williams (Cecil), Daryl Burley (Elaine), and Donyell Harris (John). She also leaves behind two sisters, Retha Simpson and Linda Robinson. In addition, her grandchildren, Colisa, Romonal, Mondrell, Tommaso, Brittany, Karlye, Matthew, Noah, Kizzy, Tessica, Jessica, Jimmy IV, Derrick, Latosha, Darryl, Corneilus, Rondaskie, along with 23 great-grandchildren; seven sisters-in-law, Martha Herbin, Annie Mae Gilbert, Janice (Willie) Cadenhead, Gloria (Frederick) Pruitt, Teresa Cole, Roberta Hicks, Jeannette Williams; three brothers-in-law, Joe Nathan Burley, Colonel Marcus, Ozzie Marcus; a host of nieces and nephews and many other family members, a special friend, Ms. Cynthia Dunbar, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.