Darkis Opal (Holt) Jernigan

Sister Darkis Holt Jernigan was born May 7, 1932, to Samuel and Effie Morgan Holt. She was the third of nine children born to this union.

At the age of four, she committed her life to Christ at New Boggy Baptist Church. She attended school in Spring Ridge and was a hairdresser by profession, often having a kitchen filled with patrons. Sister Jernigan had a kind and loving spirit and was always willing to lend a helping hand to others, even taking in children in addition to her own. Independence was hallmark to Sister Jernigan. Even as she got up in age, she took care of herself, and she relished caring for and loving her grandchildren. She touched so many lives that many others in the community also affectionately called her, “Big Mama.” She remained mentally sharp throughout her entire life and enjoyed working in her puzzle books, solving game show questions, and watching Westerns. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, LB Moore Chapter #53.

On November 6, 1949, she united in holy matrimony with Willie Fred Jernigan. She was blessed to be the mother of ten, grandmother of 26, great grandmother of 52 and great-great grandmother of 16.

She was preceded in death by three sons, Kenneth Jernigan, Fred Jernigan, and Ronnie Jernigan; one grandson, Curtis Jerome Jernigan, Jr.; one granddaughter, Sametra Anderson; three brothers, John Holt, Arlo Holt, and Samuel Holt; and three sisters, Cheryl Faustine Holt, Maude Keith, and Darlene Wells. Her family will forever cherish her kind, warm and giving spirit.

She leaves four daughters, Wilma Rudd, Cynthia Anderson, Vicki Manning, and Lisa (Joseph) Sneed; three sons, Curtis (Anna) Jernigan, Charles (Sue) Jernigan, and Michael Jernigan; four sisters, Anita Holt, Carolyn Holt, Peggy (Frederick) Rudd, and Wanda Holt; four brothers, George Holt, Ponce de Leon Holt, Kenneth Holt, and Donald Holt; nieces, nephews, cousins (especially reminiscing with Feenie) and friends; and special friends Louise Smith, Juanita Beechum and Annette Roach.

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