Ernestine Crayton was born on October 31, 1930, in Franklin, LA., to Freddie Martin Sr. and Gertrude Martin. Ernestine was the youngest of three children. Mary Martin-Amey, Freddie Martin, and Stella Martin.
Ernestine moved to Madera, CA, and then moved on to San Francisco, where she met and married Fred Crayton in 1959. They became life-long friends, with a lifetime of friendship, laughter, and tears; seeing them together during happy and challenging times truly gave you a clear picture and definition of what “SoulMates” are.
Ernestine and Fred had a beautiful, blended family. The family moved from San Francisco to East Palo Alto in 1960. Moving their memberships from Uptown Church of Christ to Laurel Street Church of Christ, where they became essential to the congregation. Fred and Ernestine took on the leadership role of Minister at the Westside Church of Christ for over 50 years.
Ernestine played a significant role during and after the founding of Westside Church of Christ, a role that continues to inspire the church today. Ernestine’s motherly love, mentorship, and guidance left a lasting legacy that touched many people and made a profound impression.
Ernestine attended Canada College and completed an associate’s degree. Thereafter, Ernestine worked for the Ravenswood Unified School District for eight years.
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, our beloved Ernestine; Mother, Daughter, Sister, and Friend was called home by our Lord God to be with her life partner Fred Crayton, sons; Jerome, Fredric (Papa), Oscar (Puncho), Thomas, and Elmus Earl-sisters; Mary Martin-Amey, Stella Martin, and brother; Freddie Martin Jr. all originally from Louisiana.
Ernestine Crayton, of Turlock, CA by way of East Palo Alto leaves to cherish her memory; four daughters, Sheryl Allums and Carolyn Morrell, Deborah Wright and Yvonne Davis; sons, Edward Davie, Stockton CA; Kevin Crayton of San Jose, CA; Pierre Crayton of Turlock, CA; Andre Mouton of Oakland, CA; and a host grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, relatives and friends.
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