Georgia Ernestine Bruno

Georgia Ernestine Shoults Bruno of Little Rock died Sunday, Feb. 1, after a brief illness. "Ernie" was born to Archie and Wanda Shoults Feb. 25, 1927, in Hot Springs, Ark. In 1943, when her mother died, Ernie moved to Little Rock to live with her maternal grandmother, Carrie Sevier Malloy. She worked at the munitions plant in Jacksonville, Ark., during World War II. In 1949, she began work as one of the first waitresses for the new Bruno's Little Italy restaurant on Roosevelt Road in Little Rock. Her boss, Vincent "Jimmy" Bruno was smitten by her graciousness, style, and beauty. He later asked her to marry him. First eloping in1951, they later had an official ceremony in 1952. Ernie worked beside Jimmy at Bruno's for almost 40 years providing a foundation of love, counsel, and kindness to many who came through Bruno's doors as both employees and customers. She brought that love, care, and calm strength with her later in her career as an attendant in the intensive care waiting room at Arkansas Children's Hospital, comforting many frightened parents. Ernie set an example of loving unconditionally and doing so in all circumstances. In addition to her parents and Jimmy, Ernie was predeceased by her oldest son, Wayne Gilchrist, stepsons, Ron Bruno and John Bruno, and her sister, Carolyn Breckenridge. She is survived by her sons, Jay (Lisa), Gio (Marie), and Vince; stepdaughter, Anna Warf (Jim); cousin, John Rudy Cullum; 13 grandchildren, Richard, Dominic, Genevieve, Jack, Robert, Ronald, Melanie, Hillary, Gianni, Jon, J.P., John, and Lisa; daughters-in-law, Sherry Bruno and Loretta Gilchrist, as well as 16 great-grandchildren. Her granddaughter, Hillary, assisted Vince in her care for several years. She is also survived by nieces, Wanda Self and Sandra Pavatt, nephews, Richard Breckenridge and Butch Breckenridge all of Hot Springs, Ark., and countless great-nieces and nephews. The family will celebrate Ernie's life at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb.16th, at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, 20900 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, followed by interment in St. Margaret's Columbarium. The family asks that memorials be made to St. Margaret's Episcopal Church. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Ernie's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.