Former North Carolina State Senator Ernestine “Byrd” Bazemore, a lifelong public servant, educator, and champion for eastern North Carolina’s rural communities, died Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. She was 66.
Bazemore’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Bertie County and beyond, reflecting the profound impact she made during decades of service in education, county government, and the state legislature. A celebration of her life will be announced by her family in the coming days.
I respected Sen. Bazemore, so rather than copying and pasting a few short sentences about her life like the mainstream media did when announcing her passing, I opted to put together a story that tells our readers about her life and what she accomplished for our region.
Let’s start with this statement from the Bertie County Board of Commissioners and staff of Bertie County Government said they were “deeply saddened” to share news of her passing.
“Senator Bazemore dedicated her life to public service and education,” the statement read.
Bazemore’s leadership was marked by her strong advocacy for rural development, education, and equitable access to resources for all citizens.
“The Honorable Ernestine ‘Byrd’ Bazemore will be remembered not only for her many accomplishments in education and public service,” the statement concluded, “but also for her unwavering kindness, humility, and steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know and work alongside her. Her legacy of service, leadership, and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come.”
A Proud Bertie County Native
A member of the Bertie High School Class of 1977, Bazemore never strayed far from her eastern North Carolina roots. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Fayetteville State University and the University of Mount Olive, choosing a field that reflected her lifelong belief in fairness, justice, and opportunity.
For 28 years, Bazemore worked in the Bertie County School System, where she influenced countless young lives through her dedication to education. Her colleagues recalled her calm leadership and ability to connect with both students and staff.
A Democrat from Aulander, Bazemore’s path into politics began with a desire to give back to the community that raised her. In 2014, she was elected to the Bertie County Board of Commissioners, where she quickly earned a reputation for thoughtful leadership and an even-handed approach to governance. She served as vice chair from 2016 to 2017, elected as chair in December of 2017.
“I would like to thank my fellow commissioners for the honor to serve as chair,” she said to the Bertie Ledger-Advance. “I look forward to working together and an exciting year serving as your chair. I will continue to work as we have done in the past.”
Bazemore’s time as commissioner was marked by efforts to strengthen county services, improve local infrastructure, and expand opportunities for youth. She also served on several local and regional boards, including the Bertie County Department of Social Services Board, the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, and the Trillium Regional Governing Board.
Bertie County Sheriff’s Office posted to social media, “To the family of former NC State Senator and Former Bertie County Commissioner Ernestine Bazemore, you are in our thoughts and and prayers during this time of bereavement.”
And let’s not forget that Bazemore was a member of the County Commission that approved the popular Bertie Beach project that opened in 2019. The 137-acre public outdoor recreation park located on the eastern boundary of Bertie County at the confluence of the Chowan River and Albemarle Sound, referred to locally as “tall glass of water”. Speaking as someone who has been to Bertie Beach many times — thanks goes to Bazemore and others who transformed the dream of a local beach into a reality.
How about this flashback — During heavy rains from Tropical Storm Julia and Hurricane Matthew around this time of year in September/October of 2016, multiple county offices were destroyed including the Extension Office, public library and the only EMS station in Windsor. Chairwoman Bazemore was with Governor Roy Cooper when she and local leaders broke ground at a special ceremoney for the new Bertie County EMS Station One on County Farm Road in Windsor in May of 2018.
“This is a happy day for Bertie County EMS and its citizens,” Bazemore said at the ceremony. It has been a long time coming and we are excited about the start of this project.”
In 2020, Bazemore made history when she was elected to the North Carolina Senate, representing the state’s 3rd District, which includes Bertie and several surrounding counties. She defeated Republican challenger Thomas Hester Jr., a Vance County commissioner, earning 52 percent of the vote in a closely watched race.
When she took office on Jan. 1, 2021, Bazemore became one of the few state senators from rural northeastern North Carolina. Her priorities reflected the needs of the region she loved — expanding broadband access, strengthening rural hospitals, and supporting Medicaid expansion.
“Broadband is a major concern across all the counties,” she said in an August 2021 interview with WIZS Radio in Henderson. “Not all areas are currently being served. And the services offered by rural hospitals, as well as Medicaid expansion, are big concerns.”
A Steady Voice for Rural North Carolina
During her time in Raleigh, Bazemore served on several legislative committees, including the State and Local Government Committee, the Appropriations on General Government Committee, and the Pensions Committee. Colleagues described her as a soft-spoken but effective advocate, someone who preferred collaboration over confrontation.
Bazemore’s commitment to fairness and equity also extended beyond the Senate chamber. She served as a member of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Board of Trustees, a director of the North Carolina Association of County Officials for District 2, and a member of the Board of the National Association of County Officials Rural Action Caucus. To see the bills she introduced in the legislature, click here.
Her deep involvement reflected her belief that local government — the level closest to the people — could be a powerful tool for positive change.
A Life of Faith and Service
Beyond politics, Bazemore’s life was grounded in faith and community. She was a devoted member of Cedar Landing Missionary Baptist Church and Conocanary Missionary Baptist Church, where she worshiped, served, and supported countless church initiatives.
Her community service also extended into civic organizations. She held leadership roles as Imperial Deputy of the Oasis of Plymouth and as District Deputy Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she worked to promote charitable service and fellowship.
Bazemore was also a trustee of Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a role that allowed her to champion education and workforce training for residents of northeastern North Carolina.
Friends and family members often described her as both “graceful and grounded.” She was known for her quiet sense of humor, her devotion to her family, and her ability to bring people together — whether in a boardroom, church meeting, or school hallway.
From all accounts, Bazemore was the kind of leader who lifted others up because she believed that when one person succeeds, the whole community succeeds.
Leaving a Legacy of Hope
Even as she rose to statewide prominence, Bazemore remained humble about her achievements.
She didn’t need to shout to be heard — people trusted her because she meant what she said and followed through.
Her tenure in public service was defined by that same steady approach. Whether fighting for educational resources, advocating for broadband expansion, or supporting small-town healthcare, she worked tirelessly to ensure rural voices were not overlooked.
In their public statement, the Bertie County Board of Commissioners called her “a proud Bertie County native who consistently used her platform to uplift her community and ensure that the voices of rural North Carolinians were heard at every level of government.”
As the county mourns her loss, residents are remembering not only the leader she was, but the example she set.
Bazemore’s journey — from classroom teacher to county commissioner to state senator — reflects a lifetime of purpose, perseverance, and love for her community. Her story stands as a reminder that true leadership begins with service — and that the quiet strength of one woman from Bertie County can echo across an entire state.