Rev. Earnest James Mason was born on January 21, 1954 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center to the late Dessie Bell Mason Ware and Chester Strickland. He is preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Willie Mason; mother in-law, Mamie Jameson; and brother Nathaniel (Linda) Montgomery.
As a child, he attended Green Hunter Nursery and then on to Fair Street Elementary School. He attended E. E. Butler High School from the 7th through the 9th grades. He was a member of the 1972 graduating class of Gainesville High School, the first group of integrated students to enter the school. During his tenure at Gainesville High, he lettered in football and basketball, and also ran track. After graduating high school, he worked as a U.S. Postal Letter Carrier.
Rev. Mason entered the U.S. Army in 1976 with tours of duty at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO; Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN; Ft. Meade, MD; Ft. Benning, GA; Ft. Richardson, AK; and Ft. Lewis, WA. He was discharged from the Army in 1980 after which he joined Individual Ready Reserve until 1988.
He started his own business, Mason’s Lawn Service, in 1990. He took great pride in every yard he touched, working passionately until he was not physically able to do so. His skill and love for his profession allowed him the opportunity to assist with a park for the 1996 Summer Olympics, in addition to keeping many residences in and around town landscaped beautifully.
It was at an early age that his mother instilled in him an appreciation of the Holy Scriptures. That, along with his own research and study of The Bible, helped him realize God’s calling on his life. In 2003, he announced his calling into the ministry. He preached his first sermon at New Salem Baptist Church in February 2004. It was there that he received his license to preach from Rev. Hazell Quarles. He joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 2005, where was ordained by his pastor, Rev. Dr. Emerson Ross.
While running his business and serving in the ministry, he decided to further his education. He graduated from Gainesville Junior College with an associate degree in psychology, and then attended Brenau University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He later earned his master’s degree from Grand Canyon University, specializing in addiction counseling.
Rev. Mason did not let his physical disabilities stop him from being an asset to his community. He used his education and life experiences in his work with Avita Community Partner as a Peer Specialist, where he led group counseling sessions to assist people with substance abuse disorders. He also became a recognized community resource in helping countless others to reinstate their rights as a citizen after being incarcerated. He was a long-standing member of the Gents Club which originated at E. E. Butler High under the leadership of Mr. Nathaniel Shelton. He was also a member of the American Legion where he served at Post 7 and Post 328. And for those who do not know, he was the “unofficial” Mayor of Floyd Road.
Rev. Mason is survived by his caring wife of 46 years, Deaconess Barbara Mason; children, Nikova Mason and Jamon Buffington; grandchildren, MJ and Neylan Robertson, and Kiara Clark; great-grandson, Kasir Makari Gooden; siblings, Betty Jo Morrison, Dr. Mary Lois (Andre) Young, William Mason, and Michael (Mary) Mason; sisters-in-law, Elaine (Anthony) Young, and Diane Stephens; brothers-in-law, Gregory and Tony Stephens; special cousins, Anthony (Saltanat) Dorsey and Roderick (Julie) Morris; adoptive church mother, Mama Eloise Stringer; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved dearly. He will also be greatly missed by a number of lifelong friends whom he held in high esteem.
Funeral service will be held Monday December 5, 2022 at 12 noon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Viewing will be Sunday December 4, 2022 from 3pm-8pm. The family will receive family and friends from 6pm-8pm.
Dexter T. Sims Mortuary, LLC, Gainesville, has charge of arrangements.