August 1, 1950 – February 1, 2026
Earnestine Lea-Thomas was born on August 1, 1950, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Ernest Echols and Willie Ruth Echols (Boyd). From the beginning, she carried a warm spirit, a determined heart, and a deep love for family that shaped every chapter of her life.
During her youth, Earnestine moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she attended Marshall High School and graduated from Cosmetology School. She met Frankie D. Lea at the age of 11 in Chicago, Illinois, and the two later married on January 11, 1972, when she was 21 years old. Four children preceded them in death. Her surviving children are Tiffany Lea (Kevin Hassan), Charrise Lea-Henderson (Kenny Henderson), Felicia Lea, and Ahmad Lea (Patricia Evans). Frankie D. Lea preceded her in death on November 18, 2020. Earnestine began working at the United States Postal Service, where she served faithfully until her retirement in 2011 as part of the 204 B management team.
Earnestine was one of nine siblings, a large and loving family that brought her endless joy. Three of her siblings preceded her in death: Ernest Echols Jr., Angel Echols, and Edward Earl Echols. Her surviving siblings—Pearl Green, Bobbie Echols, Vernell McKinney, Bertha Pearl Echols, and Debra Echols—along with her extended family, remember her as a source of strength, laughter, and unwavering support.
Earnestine enjoyed church bowling, bingo, and cooking, and she was known for her signature phrase: “Watch out, the queen is coming through.” She was the life of every gathering and a devoted grandmother.
She is survived by 14 grandchildren, including her eldest, Khahlil Smith, Jameel Henderson, Jerome Henderson, and Ahmad Lea Jr., as well as three great-grandchildren.
Those who knew Earnestine will forever cherish her kindness, her wisdom, and the way she made every person feel seen and valued. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who loved her.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A visitation will be held at Proko Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow in Oakwood Cemetery. To livestream the service, please click on the following link. https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/93L95B
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Earnestine, please visit our Tree Store.
Events
Visitation
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111-60th Street, KENOSHA, WI 53144
Service
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
11:00 am
Proko Funeral Home & Crematory
5111-60th Street, KENOSHA, WI 53144
Officiant: Pastor Zak Gibson
Interment
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
12:45 pm
Oakwood Cemetery
1210 53rd Ave Somers, WI 53144
