On December 21, 2024, God, in His infinite wisdom, called Ernestine. Blanche Claiborne Fitzhugh, known as "Tina," to receive her reward. Tina was born on April 11, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Ernest and Blanche Lillie Harrison Claiborne. She was the third of five siblings. Bernice Turner, Thomas Claiborne, and Regina Claiborne preceded her in death.

Tina received her formal education at Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore, Maryland. She then attended Sarah Spence School of Baltimore and the National Institute of Cosmetology and received a bachelor's degree from Detroit, Michigan. She continued her education at the University of Maryland, College Park, and Howard University in Washington, DC. While attending Howard University, Tina became an active Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. member. She obtained a Master's Equivalent in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University.

Tina was a member of the Jolly Girls, the Red Hatters of Baltimore County, the Black Collation Association known as "Big Pac," and was the President of the Cosmetology Teacher's Guild for three years.

Ernestine was united in marriage to the Late James Mitchell Fitzhugh, and from this union were two sons - Lance and Rodney. The marriage was a relationship of love and happiness until Mitch died in 2001.

Two sons, Milton and Nathaniel Fitzhugh and two daughters, Jean and Shelia Fitzhugh, preceded Ernestine in death

Tina began her career at Dr. Bernard Harris Sr. Elementary, Lumbar Adult Evening Center, Houston Woods Junior/ Senior High School. She continued her employment at Carver Vocational-Technical High School as department head in Cosmetology. Ms. T will be remembered for her commitment to the youth and striving for excellence. As the class advisor for the graduating classes of 1976 to 1985, She led trips to the Caribbean Islands.

Tina later transferred to Howard County School of Technology under the leadership of Mr. Dan Jett, Principal, and Mrs. Mary Day until her retirement in June 1995. She was a dedicated teacher who played a vital role in educational activities and prepared students for work and college advancement.

Raised in a Christian home, Tina accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age. She attended Ebeneezer Baptist Church, where she assisted with BYPO and Sunday school under the leadership of the late Reverend Edward Jordan and her grandfather, the late Reverend Elijah Harrison, founder of the Rising Sun Baptist Church. Tina continued a God-fearing life guided by her parents, which led her to Cornerstone Baptist Church under the direction of Pastor Logan Kearse and later to Wayland Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Darneal Johnson, Sr.

Tina's spiritual commitment to God increased under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Hoffman F. Brown III, who was instrumental in her studying the Word of God. She transitioned believing that all things are possible through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior.

Tina has worked in the following ministries: Adult Usher Board, Senior Ministry, Matron's, Women's Choir, and Mass Choir under the direction of Ms. Jan Campbell, co-chair with Ms. Gloria, Washington for Women's Day and the Women's Ministry of Wayland with Ms. Deborah Olgers. Tina co-coordinated the Senior Ministry Love Luncheon and the Matron's Resurrection Luncheon.

Tina was also a member of the Rosalie Sunday School and very active in the Bible study class at Concord Baptist Church, where Sister Dorothy Bostic taught.

In later years, Pastor Brown assigned Tina to Project Garrison, Inc., as a coordinator with the community association's President, Mr. Andrew Gaskins. This organization was formed to eradicate social ills along the Garrison Boulevard corridor. She was later affirmed as a board member of the community association.

In April 2011, the staff and students at Matthew A. Henson Elementary School honored Tina at Coppin State University in the Carey Cryor Art Gallery for being an educational community service legend. She also received many awards and citations from Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Tina loved traveling with her husband, Mitch, friends, and family, sharing joy and love through trips and cruises. Her favorite trip was to the Holy Land in Orlando, Florida.

Additionally, she found time to exercise at the Senior Center located at the Liberty Road Resource Center to improve her health. People loved her warm personality, especially her adopted family, Mrs. Rose Williams, Mrs. Hilda Kelson, and the late Mrs. Grace Wallace.

Ernestine pledged to support her family and friends and share love, happiness, and joy. Tina's famous words are, "Keep God first in your life. First, ask Him to guide your footsteps in the right direction." To my adopted nieces, Elder Reba Fitchett and the late Ms. Ethel Fitchett, "God bless you and continue spreading the Word of God to all people."

Left to cherish her memory are: Lance Leroy Fitzhugh, Dr. Rodney Jay Fitzhugh (Melissa); three grandsons, London, Ryan, and Reid Fitzhugh; stepdaughter, Mrs. Deborah Fitzhugh Gatling; six step-grandchildren, Karen Gatling'-Young, Sharon Gatling­ Ching, Chauncey Gatling, Etienne Playo, Yulawnda Playo, Greg Playo; ten step-great-grandchildren; sister, Renee Claiborne; two nieces, Kamilla McDonald and Tyrika McDonald; two nephews, Deron Wood (LaKeshia) and Desmond Claiborne; adopted family that Tina loved dearly, Kim Moore, Megan Moore, Mrs. Rose Williams, Mrs. Hilda Kelson, Mrs. Carrie Williams, Elder Reba Fitchett, Deacon Zachary Eaton, Dr. Tenyo Pearl, Bishop Marcus A. Johnson Sr., Pastor Hoffman Brown III; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.