Ernestine Ross Cupit

Ernestine Ross Cupit died on September 12, 2026, in Jackson, Mississippi following a brief illness at the age of 83. She was born August 31, 1943, in Washington, DC to Audra Snider Ross and Johnnie Ernest Ross.

Her early years were spent in Oklahoma with her mother’s family while her father was deployed with the United States Marines. They lived in Henryetta and Tulsa before moving to Jackson, Mississippi. Ernestine graduated from Murrah High School then attended Hinds Community College, where she was a Hinds High Stepper.

She and Frank Cupit married on May 20, 1967, and raised their family on Ridgeland Drive in South Jackson before moving to Brandon in the early 1990s. Ernie took great pride in her flower beds at both homes. She knew all the plants’ names and whether they did best in sun or shade.

When friends or family came to visit, the percolator would be working overtime, and the good coffee cups were brought out. Ample time was set aside for catching up either at the kitchen table or on the porch before any other part of the day could begin. Once the cooking was underway, it was big -- usually army-sized batches. Her favorites were gumbo, red beans and rice, the pasta salad, and her mother’s cornbread dressing made with eight chicken thighs, never breasts. There was enough for everyone, and everyone had plenty to take home.

She was known as Nana to her grandchildren. She was immensely proud of their accomplishments and very much liked to be kept current on what they were doing now or where they were going next. She always offered an enthusiastic greeting towards them, regardless of what else was happening. They talked about bream fishing, squirrel hunting, soccer, baseball, cheer, gymnastics, school, studies abroad, books, concerts, you name it. If the grands were into it, then she wanted to talk about it.

Ernie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank Cupit; daughter, Kristi Cobb; brother, Bill Ross; sister-in-law, Kathy Ross. She is survived by her daughter, Dana Mabry; sons-in-law Jason Mabry, Michael Speights, and Brett Cobb; grandchildren Ashton Elizabeth Cobb, Hailee Grace Cobb, Tyler Ian Mabry, and James Truly Mabry.

The family would like to offer appreciation to the physicians, nurses and staff who cared so tenderly for her while at Baptist Hospital during her last days as well as friends, neighbors, and family who have been right here with us during this difficult time.

Ott & Lee Funeral Home 1360 W Government St Brandon, Mississippi 39042 will host a Memorial Service on September 26, 2026. Visitation 10AM – 12PM with a memorial at 12PM.