With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Ernestine P. Wilder, 96, of St. Stephen, SC, widow of the late Ellie Wilder, who passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

Life Reflections

Ernestine Paulin Wilder was born on October 12, 1928 in Berkeley County, South Carolina, to the late James and Blossom Waring Paulin. She departed this life on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at her home.

She attended Berkeley County Public Schools. Ernestine was a member of Zion United Methodist Church and later joined St. Phillip Baptist Church until her time of death. She was very active in the church, and was also the Mother of the Church.

Ernestine was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Ellie Wilder on November 13, 1949. From their union they were blessed with eight children. She was preceded in death by: her parents, James and Blossom Waring Paulin; her late husband, Ellie Wilder and her daughter, Betty Cooper.

Ernestine leaves to cherish her loving memories: her children, Shirley Hunt of Newville, AL, Beatrice Ray of Boston, MA, Jacqueline (Winston) Applewhite and Doris Whitaker both of Brooklyn, NY, Carlton (Sylena) Wilder, Kenneth (Rosalyn) Wilder and Deloris Wilder all of St. Stephen, SC; one surviving sister, Inetha Middleton of St. Stephen, SC; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special thanks to her caregivers, Amanda Wilder, Katoya McCray and Valarie Simmons.

The family is receiving friends and family at her late residence, 515 Mermaid Way, St. Stephen, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of St. Stephen, SC. 843-354-2292.