"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted." Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (KJV)

Mr. Ernest Camper, Jr. was the second born of eleven children to the late Ernest, Sr. and Rosie Lee Camper, born November 21, 1943. He and his siblings learned early in life the joy of loving and being loved in a Christian home. As a child and young adult, Ernest was a faithful member of New Zion M.B. Church in Pinola, Mississippi.

He received his diploma in 1964 from New Hymn High School in Pinola, Mississippi. Although he never attended college, he possessed much wisdom and knowledge beyond his years. Some years later, Ernest left Mississippi and moved to Rockford, Illinois to pursue his career in manufacturing where he worked for over 30 years. Ernest was married to Annie Francies Jones from 1972 – 1982. From that union, he had a beautiful daughter.

His hobbies were fishing, attending baseball games (Chicago Cubs) and his favorite pastime was bowling. He competed nationally and received numerous awards and trophies for his outstanding accomplishments in bowling. Ernest was liked by many and loved by most. However, his humble and gentle spirit will be lovingly remembered by his children: Latangela Rogers (Mendenhall, Mississippi) and Shanta Maria Camper (Lawrenceville, Georgia); grandchildren, Passion Camper (Lawrenceville, Georgia), Maiyah Camper (Lawrenceville, Georgia), Kentada Rogers (Mendenhall, Mississippi), and great grandson, Kayeson Mi'King Rogers (Mendenhall, Mississippi); siblings, W.C. Camper (Moss Point, Mississippi), James Earl Camper (Rockford, Illinois) Earlean Kitchens (Florence Mississippi), Rosie (Dolphus) Weary (Richland, Mississippi), Esta Jones (Mendenhall, Mississippi), Eula Newsome (Richmond, California), Elizabeth Mack (Magee, Mississippi) and Sandra Baggett (Pinola, Mississippi); and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Camper, Sr. and Rosie Lee Camper; and siblings, M.B. Camper and Vera Johnson.