Justin T. Ernst, age 24, passed away November 8, 2022. On this date, the world lost a beautiful ray of sunshine that touched all that crossed through his light. Justin was born January 28, 1998 in St. Joseph, MI, the son of Ted and Lori (Pfeiffle) Ernst. He was a second semester senior at Eastern Michigan University and will be awarded his Bachelor degree this December in his area of passion - art education. A hard worker, Justin worked weekends and summers for Roberts Paint and Body where he was able to use his artistic attention to detail to its fullest.

Justin was a loving, kind, and caring person and was adored by all who met him. He lit up every room he entered and never left a bad impression. He was willing to help anyone – people and animals alike! Justin was an incredibly talented artist who saw the world through passionate and colorful eyes. He loved music, woodworking, fishing, working on cars, discovering new art mediums, and most importantly - teaching art. He wanted his students to know that they could be whoever and whatever they wanted to be. He showed them that expressing themselves through art could replace words when trying to share their thoughts and feelings.

Justin is survived by his parents, Ted and Lori (Pfeiffle) Ernst, his sister Cassy (Ernst) Barnard, his brother Josh Ernst, nephew Parker Barnard, and his fiancee, McKenzie Carpenter. He is preceded in death by his grandparents David and Leola (Savery) Ernst and Glenn and Ursula (Mein) Pfeiffle.

A memorial gathering will take place at Nie Funeral Home - 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm with a Memorial Service beginning at 12:00 pm.

Donations may be made in Justin’s honor to the Humane Society of Huron Valley (https://www.hshv.org/) or to the Ann Arbor Art Center (https://www.annarborartcenter.org/)

Please sign the Tribute Wall and share a memory of Justin.