Obituary of Betty Jernigan

     Betty Jernigan, 94, passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. She was born to Lawrence and Elisabeth (McQuitty) Turville on March 16, 1927, in Washington D.C. Betty grew up in Clermont, Florida from the age of nine, raised by her Aunt Emily and Dr. Coleman.

     On October 12, 1948, she married Jim Jernigan after meeting him while a contestant in a beauty contest in Palatka, Florida. They moved to Ocala where she “ran” Jim Jernigan’s Studio….and Jim. Betty was a member of Ocala First United Methodist Church and the Friendly Fellowship Sunday School class. She taught 3-year old Sunday School for many years. Betty and Jim were charter members of a Supper Club started in 1955 with many local couples which ran for over 50 years.

     Betty is survived by her 3 children, Richard (Sharon), Jan Chapman (Al), and John (Shelia), her niece, LuAnne Gay, 4 grandchildren, Lacy Sapp, Christy Santi, Kyle Jernigan, and James Chapman, and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Jernigan.

     Visitation will be at Hiers-Baxley funeral home from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Graveside services will be 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 at Highland Memorial Park. In remembrance of Betty’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Ocala First United Methodist Church or Hospice of Marion County. Online condolences may be sent to hiers-baxley.com.