Obituary of Earnestine Royal

Earnestine "Tina" Royal, 71, passed away peacefully, November 16, 2012, at the St. Luke's Hospital, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Royal was born June 5, 1941 in Smithville, Georgia, to the late Arthur and Jettie Mae (Henderson) Dennison. She left Georgia in 1960 and moved to New York City for several years, where she met and married her husband Rodney W. Royal in the fall of 1965. Following their wedding, the couple moved to Poughkeepsie, NY to begin their life together. Mr. Royal passed away February 1, 2012. Mrs. Royal worked for the Hudson River State Hospital until leaving to focus on her family. A dedicated mother, wife and friend, Mrs. Royal could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. With a smile that everyone looked toward to seeing, she volunteered with Meals on Wheels, ran errands for her elderly neighbors and was always available to listen and offer advice when needed. All who knew her enjoyed and cherished her company and her patience and kindness was appreciated by so many. Mrs. Royal was an active member of the Faith Assembly of God where she served as an usher. In her free time, she enjoyed fishing and gardening and, win or lose, found great pleasure spending hours on end in front of a slot machine. In her later years, she discovered an interest in local and national politics, faithfully following campaigns and election results. She was a reliable fixture during election times, but her opinions on the doings of politicians could be easily sought even outside of campaign season. Mrs. Royal is survived by her son Craig of Poughkeepsie, NY, her daughter Tracy of New York City, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She is also survived by her two sisters, Ann and Minnie of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, her brothers Arthur and JL of Ft. Lauderdale, and Hartford, CT., 13 nieces and nephews and many, many dear friends. Calling hours and services will be held on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at Faith Assembly of God, 254 Spackenkill Road, Poughkeepsie NY. Calling Hours will take place from 9:00-10:30am and the service will begin promptly at 10:30am with Pastor John Ogden officiating. The burial will take place immediately following the service in the Community Mausoleum of Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. A reception will follow at Faith Assembly of God. Professional services were entrusted to Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc, 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkkepsie, NY