Mother Earslene Givens McDougler came into this world on Thursday, August 13, 1931 to the blessed union of Mr. Robert and Allena Givens, in their home in Elaine, Arkansas. She was loved tremendously by her parents. In 1939, Mother Earlene's family moved to East St. Louis, Illinois. She attended the East Saint Louis Public School District #189 throughout her formative education and graduated from Lincoln High school in 1949.

In June of 1957, Mother Earslene married Mr. Nolan C. McDougler. Mother Earslene loved and cared for Nolan until his passing on Saturday,  October 24, 1992.  Together they created a home with four beautiful children Deborah (Demitri) Hicks, Gloria (James) Washington, Stanley McDougler (preceded her in death), Wellston McDougler (preceded her in death), & Iola McDougler.  As their family began to grow Mother Earslene, affectionately known as "Queen", decided to enroll in nursing school to provide a better life for her family.  She graduated nursing school in 1972 and was a dedicated nurse at Touchette Regional Hospital in Centreville, IL until she retired in 1993.  A year later, Queen returned to the workforce as a cashier at Wal-Mart in O'Fallon, IL until her children retired her.

One day Queen's eldest daughter, Deborah came home and shared her encounter with God at her church, the Holy Ghost, and speaking tongues. Her response, to her daughters' surprise, was "It doesn't take ALL OF THAT".   Queen, who at the time was attending Friendship Baptist Church, decided to visit this new church to see for her own eyes what her daughter was talking about. After attending service at Bible Fellowship Church she soon made it her lifelong church home. For many years, she served in ministry on the usher board, nursing board, mother's board, and sang soprano in the choir, and doing "ALL OF THAT". She's been a bright spot in the ministry and community for many years and will be missed greatly.

Mother Earslene, was a sweet joy to all and has always been known for her famous HUGS.  There was never a day that she would allow someone to be in her presence and not love on them with a big warm embrace. One day while spending time with family, the question was asked "Queen, why are your hugs so good?" Her response was, "One day I prayed to The Father and asked Him to allow His children to get whatever they need from Him, when I hug them." So if you ever wondered why hugging you was important to her, or why you felt joy, love, relief, revived, strength, and everything else you needed. It's because she prayed for your embrace before she even knew you.

Queen was a woman of faith and enjoyed every moment that she had to talk about her Father in Heaven. She has taught all of us the importance of having your own relationship with God and building a relationship of faith with him.  Queen did not just talk about God, he was her life.  So, even though she retired she never left her post of being an intercessor, whether it was sitting in the pulpit, her sunroom, her room, or your home she was dedicated and consistent.  As you reflect on her life, take some time to ask yourself "What does my relationship of faith in God look like?"

Mother Earslene McDougler transitioned from this life into eternity on Thursday morning, October 28,2021 at Belleville Memorial Hospital.

Queen is survived by her three daughters Deborah, Gloria, and Iola McDougler. Along with her brother Eddie (Easter) Givens, Sr. of Witicha, Kansas, her sister Rosie Givens of East St. Louis, IL,  grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, adopted daughters, three best-friends, and other friends & family members.