Earnest Calvin Mims, Jr.

The Celebration of Life service for Mr. Earnest C. Mims, Jr. will be available via livestream for those unable to attend in person. Your presence, whether in person or in spirit, is deeply appreciated by the family during this time of remembrance. To access the livestream please click Celebration of Life for Mr. Earnest C. Mims, Jr.

Earnest Calvin Mims Jr., affectionately known to his family and friends as “Pokey”, was born May 21, 1967, in Summerfield, Alabama, to Mary Jackson

Mims and Earnest Calvin Mims Sr. He departed from his earthly home on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Earnest accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Greater Pine Grove Baptist Church in Autauga County under the leadership of Reverend Samuel Cleveland III.

Earnest worked with The Dallas County School System and The Alabama State Department Pupil Transportation Office for over 26 years. He was not only a skilled and reliable bus driver but also as a certified driver trainer. In his dual role, Earnest demonstrated exceptional commitment to safety, professionalism, and mentorship. As a bus driver, his route knowledge and calm demeanor under pressure made him a trusted figure among parents, staff and students alike. As a bus trainer, Earnest successfully gained numerous new drivers through the rigorous process of obtaining their commercial driver’s license and safe bus operation. His approachable teaching style and patience helped trainees build confidence and competence behind the wheel. His dedication and love of the school bus made him a valuable leader for The Dallas County School System Transportation Department.

He is preceded in death by his parents Earnest and Mary Mims; grandparents, Alonzo and Alberta Jackson; and a host of uncles, aunts and other relatives.

He leaves to cherish his memories: a loving and devoted wife, Erika Cleveland-Mims; five sons, Myron Beal, Xavier Beal, Donald Richardson III, Dante Richardson, Terrance Douglas; four daughters, Sanqueta Beal Chiadik, Queneshia Beal, Terika Beal, Auiranna Beal; grandson, Kaiden Richardson; granddaughter, Riley Richardson; mother-in-law, Katina Cleveland; six sisters-in-law, Andrea Cleveland, LeeAnna (Marcus) Henry, Sherrita Blackmon, Natasha Mitchell (Roderick), Jonita Brown, and Betty Brown; two brothers-in-law, William (Ebony) Blakes and Julian (Amanda) Cheese; uncles, James Jackson, Tom (Rose) Jackson, Fred (Belinda) Jackson, Matthew (Monica) Jackson, Theodore (Hattie) Jackson, and Alfred (Loree) Mims; aunts, Martha Jackson, Loverne Jackson, Janice Givan, Ethel Mae Sample, Alice Tate, and others; a host of cousins, other relatives, and many many friends.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 12 Noon from the Shiloh Baptist Church with Reverend Isaiah Perry, officiating.  Burial will follow in the New Live Oak Cemetery with Aubrey Larkin's Lewis Brothers Funeral Home serving with excellence through professional service.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.