Jill Jernigan

Elizabeth “Jill” Jernigan passed away peacefully at her home in McKinney, Texas with her beloved husband Richard by her side on Saturday, July 1st, 2023, following a brief battle with cancer.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Richard Wayne Jernigan; her son, James Christopher Jernigan (wife Christy) of Plano, Texas; her three grandchildren, Jon-Michael Jernigan (31) of Dallas, Texas, Joshua Jernigan (30) of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Jessica Jernigan (27) of Plano, Texas; sister, Joy Kasper (husband George) of Knoxville, Tennessee; and aunt, Gloria Russell of Plano, Texas.

Jill was born on August 19, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois to James and Janet (née Lubben) Moran. She moved to Dallas, Texas when she was 19 to pursue her modeling career where she met her husband, Richard Jernigan. They were married in 1968 in her hometown of Chicago and then moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas where they welcomed their son, James Christopher Jernigan. Jill owned a toy store in Jonesboro for several years before retiring and moving to McKinney, Texas to be close to her son and his family.

Jill was an active and devout member of Custer Road United Methodist Church. She was passionate about her faith and spreading the love of God to everyone she knew.  She was an active member of Positive Thinkers Sunday School Class, and along with her husband, she was also a member of Seniors on Stage where she loved singing and performing for seniors living in assisted care facilities throughout the area.

She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren. She worried about them, rooted for them, protected them and loved them fiercely. Her legacy of love, grace, compassion and faith will continue to live on through each of them.

Anyone who knew Jill knew that she was the most loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister a family could ask for. She shared this same love with her vast community of friends and her church family. Jill will be desperately missed by those that she’s left behind. She was one of a kind and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life, which will be held at Custer Road United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023, with Rev. Tim Morrison officiating.  Jill will be laid to rest at the Custer Road United Methodist Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, should you feel so inclined, the family requests that donations be made to Custer Road United Methodist Church youth choir tour scholarship fund.  Jill loved this program at the church and especially loved watching her grandchildren perform under the direction of Tim Morrison every summer for several years when they were younger. Donations can be sent via Venmo to @Christy-Jernigan and a collection box will also be available at the reception.