Usher Honors His Trailblazing Nurse Grandmother with Chattanooga State Scholarship

Image sources: Local3News, Instagram

Updated: 11/18/25

Chattanooga State Community College has made history by establishing the Ernestine Carter Nursing Scholarship—now the largest nursing scholarship in the college’s history—in memory of Usher’s trailblazing grandmother.

About the Ernestine Carter Nursing Scholarship

The Ernestine Carter Nursing Scholarship was created to honor Carter’s groundbreaking career as the first Black admissions nurse at Memorial Hospital and her dedication to uplifting her community. With a focus on supporting aspiring nurses from diverse backgrounds, the scholarship is set to provide substantial financial assistance to nursing students at Chatt State, carrying forward Carter’s values of compassion, leadership, and commitment to service.​

Chatt State officials said “the fund is now the largest endowed nursing scholarship in the school’s history,” solidifying Carter’s status as a pioneer whose impact reaches new generations.​

 

Usher’s Tribute and Motivation

Usher’s decision to support the nursing scholarship in his grandmother’s honor was deeply personal. The scholarship not only remembers Carter’s devotion to service but also celebrates her influence on Usher and her family.​ Usher was supported by long-time friend and philanthropist Cammie Rice, Chair of The Board of Directors for his New Look Foundation. She said: "This scholarship will change lives, save lives, and we cannot wait to meet the special recipient who will go out and change the world." 

Usher’s connection to the scholarship is rooted in gratitude for the values his grandmother instilled in him: “My goal with this was to impact lives forever and inspire the next generation of nurses to live and serve by her example. Grandma Tina, you did it!” This act of generosity is a testament to Carter’s enduring legacy in nursing and community leadership.​

With the launch of the Ernestine Carter Nursing Scholarship, Chatt State ensures that her story remains central to nursing education in Chattanooga. The scholarship supports students who reflect Carter’s pioneering spirit and willingness to serve all in need, inviting future nurses to continue her tradition of excellence and community engagement.​

🤔 Nurses: what do you think about Usher's new scholarship? Let us know in the discussion forum below.

 

Original article: 1/30/23 - Nurse and Elder Ernestine "Tina" Berry Carter, Usher’s Grandmother Passed Away

We want to take a moment to remember and celebrate Ernestine "Tina" Berry Carter, otherwise known as Grandma Tina. She was the grandmother of famous R&B artist Usher, who passed away on Christmas Eve, 2022. Carter was a nurse, evangelist, and community leader who left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community. She was the first African American nurse at Chattanooga Memorial Hospital. Her children preceded her death; Usher Raymond IV, Linda and Connie Raymond, and her sister Leona Bradley. 

Ernestine Carter died at 87 years old in her residence in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Her parents were Milton and Etta Ruth Berry, and she was born in Stevenson, Alabama, on November 24^th, 1935. She was ordained an Evangelist in 2001 and then an Elder in 2005. In 2007, she was in the first graduating class of "Stop the Madness Program" for community leaders to address social struggles.  She was laid to rest on January 7th.

She had always been a staple community member working through the Church with the EBC Outreach Ministry. The ministry's main focus was those incarcerated and their families. She served as a life coach through Intercessory Pray and Fasting Group.  

Ernestine Carter was recognized with several awards, including the Distinguished Citizens Award and the Certificate of Excellence in Hamilton County. Certificate of Recognition for the invocation for "Day on The Hill" for the Tennessee General Assembly. The Black Pioneer Women Award of Excellence with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.  

She graduated from Howard High School class of 1953 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Afterward, she received her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree and furthered her education to become a Registered Nurse in 1974 from Cleveland State Community College. 

Carter became the first black admissions nurse at Memorial Hospital and the first black nurse for the "Ask A Nurse" program. She was inducted into Bessie Smith Cultural Center as the first African American nurse at Chattanooga Memorial Hospital.  

Several people throughout the music, nursing, evangelist, and Chattanooga community are mourning the loss of "Grandma Tina." Her high school Facebook page posted a memorial to her when she passed away, noting that she was "An unforgettable child with unknown gifts and potential that would later become evident."  

R&B radio stations posted their condolences to Usher and his family on the loss of their loved one, Evangelist Ernestine Carter. Thousands of comments followed wishing Usher their condolences on his loss and mourning. Following with over a thousand comments of well wishes and prayers for the beloved star's grandmother.  

Hollywood following Instagram profiles also followed the events of Usher's grandmother's passing. Paying tribute and asking "Socialites" to help keep his family in his thoughts and prayers. Several media stations covered and interviewed Usher during this time as he recalled the moments with her coming to grips with the reality of losing his grandma.  

Carter's personal Instagram was filled with love and prayers, with people who follow her account wishing her well and many prayers after she passed away. Through love and devotion, she lifted her community, being a spark of life for many people who needed it.  

Usher's grandmother was a beloved member of her community who spent many years helping others with kindness and compassion. While she will be sorely missed, many heartfelt condolences have been sent to Usher's family in honor of her life. These are a testament to her sincerity, strength, and generosity, showing that all she did for members of her community was deeply appreciated and will not soon be forgotten. Her unwavering commitment to aiding those around her will undoubtedly inspire future generations to emulate her acts of service.

The R&B star Usher wrote an emotional post on his Instagram "I feel a bit lost right now." And that he is praying for clarity and strength. He continued to write, "Her daily devotion was to help those in need, and she did just that. It was her life's work. She was truly a prayer warrior for me and so many others." 

Usher shared her last words with him "There's a time for everything, son … there's a time to laugh, a time to cry… there's a time to live and a time to die." He shared a beautiful post as a snapshot of his grandmothers and his relationship, with videos of prayer and photos of the family dancing and having fun.  

🤔 Nurses: what do you think about Usher's new scholarship? Let us know in the discussion forum below.