SMYRNA - Earnestine M. Gillis passed away on Sept. 11, 2015 in Christiana Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Earnestine was born on Aug. 21, 1946, daughter of the late George A. Briscoe and Justine Wise. She was raised in Cecilton and was a 1965 graduate of Bohemia Manor High School. In the early 1970's she moved to Clayton, Del.where she raised her family. In 1978 she began her 30 year career with the State of Delaware at the Hospital for the Chronically Ill in Smyrna, retiring in 2008. Earnestine enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her fiancé, David Wisher of Smyrna; her children, Shauntay Smith of Middletown, Ronald Gillis, Jr. of New Castle, Charles Bessix, Jr. of Galena, and Shawnetta 'Dee' Bailey and fiancé, Reginald Brown of New Castle; a god daughter, Ashton Williams of Smyrna; an aunt, Helen Wilmore of Middletown; 8 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. A viewing will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 W. Cross St. Galena, Md., where funeral service will begin at noon. www.galenafuneralhomeofsls.com