Brister Family Executive Committee
Ernest B. Jones - President
Ernest Bakari Jones is the oldest son of Ernest and Robbin Jones. His
Grandmother, Louise Tobler was one of the key leaders in the initial
organization of the Brister Family Reunion. Ernest is a retired US Army Signal Officer with over 25 years of distinguished service. He holds a master’s degree in Information Technology Management, a master’s degree in Military Operational Science, and several IT certifications. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Realty One Group Visionaries and is a licensed realtor specializing in military relocation and commercial property acquisition. Ernest also serves as a member of the Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce Housing and Economic Development Committee and as an advisor on the Barton Chapel Elementary Steering Committee. Ernest’s wife of 25 years is Charissa Jones, and they have three children Akeem, Makyla, and Malaysia. He and His wife Charissa are advocates for the underserved in their community and are dedicated to using Real Estate to open doors and change lives by helping turn dreams of home ownership into reality.
Ernest’s parents (Ernest Lee and Robbin) are active participants in the Brister Family Reunion. His mother has helped choose the theme and led the effort to decorate the Family Reunion venue each year. His father has been the Brister Family Reunion Treasurer for over ten years and has consistently contributed to each family reunion by frying fish for the Friday Family Welcome and Barbecuing on Saturday. Ernest has been active in helping with each family reunion by providing fish for the fish fry and helping with set-up and clean-up for each family reunion. He is honored by the opportunity to serve as
the Brister Family Reunion President. As President, he plans to celebrate and preserve the family’s rich history, heritage and tradition while modernizing the functional execution and enhancing communication in support of the Family Reunion. He is also committed to keeping God at the center of this family circle so it can continue growing and prospering in accordance with God’s will.
Dr. Felisha Wade - Vice President
Felisha Wade is the daughter of the late Louise Annette Samuels and granddaughter to Louise Tobler one of the founding members of the Family Reunion. Felisha was awarded a Doctorate in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences by Florida A&M University in April of 2002. Felisha has worked in the healthcare and clinical research for over 20 years, so helping people is what she does best!
Felisha is a mother of 3 (Taylor, Andrew, and Grace Louise) and a wife for 19 years to Dr. Tremayne Wade. She loves to read, spend time with her family and travel. Felisha is passionate about education and health related issues in the black community. She has donated her professional time to many "Brown Bag" events and health checks in the community. Felisha has mentored many young girls for over 14 years as co-Troop Leader/Treasurer for Girl Scouts of America, where she was awarded a certificate and pin by President Barack Obama for her volunteer services. She was Vice-President of the Booster Club for a competitive Cheer Team. She has been many team moms and volunteered for many teams her son has played on. Most recently, she was recognized by POWER a professional organization for women as a "Woman of Excellence" in their July 2020 issue.
Felisha's mother was one of the Lead cooks in the kitchen and when she passed that torch was passed on to her. She has since then coordinated and organized the Family Reunion cruise to the Bahamas and cooked her you know what off in the kitchen for years. So, it was a natural progression for her to step into the role of Vice President (VP). As VP, she intends to support the President in his duties and agenda, as well as implement transformative updates to the reunion. She intends to bring the reunion into the current times and facilitate success for its future leaders. Finally, Felisha wants to leave her mark on the family tree. To ensure that her mother and grandmothers’ wisdom is passed down to future generations. Most of all to ensure that God remains the center of everything we do within this reunion and that God's purpose for this Family is fulfilled!
"Our Family is a circle of strength, founded on Faith, Joined in Love and Kept by GOD!"
Renesha Scott - Treasurer
Renesha is a part of the Jones family. Her grandma Louise was one of the founding members and President of the Brister Family Reunion. Renesha has dedicated her life to serving the community in many roles such as Pop Warner and NYFCC recreational Cheer Coach, Chase Bank Good Works Lead Volunteer, Shine Girls Inc. Youth Mentor Facilitator, and Diamond Cheer & Dance Competition Judge. She was also a Sunday School teacher and Director for over 15 years at Celebration Church. However, out of all the communities she has served in, her family is her favorite!
Renesha was volun-told over 10 years ago to “go help the cooks in the kitchen” at the Family Reunion. She easily adapted to this role because she is a real foodie and loves to feed people. Since then, she has also served on many different committees such as the youth, membership dues collector (yes, she is the one who always greets you at the door and asks for your dues), cruise event and t-shirt coordinator, and now Treasurer. Renesha takes great pride in her integrity, quality, and dedication to her family.
Renesha was awarded a degree of Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of North Florida on August 10, 2007. Renesha has worked in the financial industry for over 24 years with a specialty in commercial real estate underwriting, compliance, internal auditing, quality assurance and quality control. Renesha has worked for Citibank, Chase, and VyStar Credit Union. She is currently an AVP/Loan Underwriter for CUBG. She is ready to help take this family reunion to the next level!
Terrinika Waters - Secretary
Terrinika Waters is the eldest daughter of Dr. Tana Robinson and the Granddaughter of Beatrice Brister Robinson who is one of the key leaders in the initial organization of the Family Reunion. Terrinika Waters is a Registered Nurse with 16 years of nursing experience. Currently, she works as an Assistant Nurse Manager at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL. Her goals are to complete her Bachelors of Nursing (BSN) this coming spring with aspirations of getting into graduate school to become a Doctorate Nurse Practitioner (DNP) next fall. She has achieved Board Certification in Medical Surgical Nursing. She has previously served with the Local Chapter of the Black Nurses Association and headed the Professional Practice Council at HCA of Orange Park as Chair during her employment there.
Terrinika is also a singer, songwriter and recording artist with a Debut Album titled “I Know Someone”. She has been married to Deshaun Waters for the past 8 years. They are the proud business owners of All Pro Recording Studios which has been in business for over 20 years. They have two children, Deon and Demia Harris who are both currently serving in the United States of America Armed Forces.
Terrinika has previously made contributions to the Brister Family Reunion by being in stage plays, hosting talent shows, and leading the family in Praise and Worship during Sunday service. She is a servant of the Most High and has a heart for God and His people. Terrinika is enthusiastic about being of service in the role of Secretary to her family.