Margie Ann Sprayberry Jernigan, of Beaumont, passed away peacefully at Calder Woods Independent Living on October 14, 2016, at age 76. Born on November 9, 1939, in Rosebud, Texas, to Daniel Paul and Anna Belle Barnes Sprayberry, Margie led a life dedicated to honoring her Lord Jesus Christ and loving her family and friends. She considered it an honor and privilege to pray for others, and particularly loved Sunday School, ladies Bible study groups, and spending quality time with those close to her.
Survivors include her son, David Wayne Jernigan and his wife, Patricia Lynne, of Woodville; daughter, Lisa Renee and her husband, James Curtis Ray, of Beaumont; brother, Daniel Sprayberry and his wife, Jeanetta, of Edmond, Oklahoma; and grandchildren, Aaron David Jernigan, Aria Lynne Jernigan, Ethan James Ray, and Caroline Grace Ray. During the last few months of life, Margie was assisted by the most precious caregivers in the world – Peggy, Barbara, and Beverly, her “Earth Angels”.
She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Samuel Jernigan, to whom she was married for 49 years.
Margie graduated at age 16 as Valedictorian from Rosebud High School. She graduated from Abilene Christian College at 20, receiving her degree in education, allowing her to begin her lifelong dream of teaching. She married Sam the next year, and they began an adventurous life together. During the next 40 years, Margie not only taught English and French, but she worked many years as secretary for Campfire Boys and Girls and The Art Museum of Southeast Texas. At age 62, she took early retirement to bless her children and grandchildren by becoming a “full time Grandma”.
During her own significant illnesses and surgeries, in addition to caring for Sam during his battle with cancer, Margie was a wonderful example of grace and a never-ending faith that she could do “All things through Christ who strengthens me”. It was not a surprise to those who knew her that, during her last 2 weeks of life, the ONLY word Margie ever used to describe how she was doing was “blessed”.
The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Calder Woods, Libby Taylor and caregivers at Earth Angels, Dr. Joe Finley and Dr. Robert L. Sweet, Jefferson County Home Health, and Gentiva Hospice for the love and kindness they have shown to Margie and her entire family.
A gathering of Mrs. Jernigan’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 16, 2016, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 17, 2016, at Christian Fellowship Worship Center, 3950 Pointe Parkway, Beaumont, with her interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont. Pallbearers will be David Theobold, Don Dale, Ken Lindeman, Lanny Latil, Don McLemore, and Roger Pricer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Fellowship Missions Fund, 3950 Pointe Parkway, Beaumont, Texas 77706 or to Fire International/Andy and Karyn Pricer Fund. P.O. Box 5306, Concord, North Carolina 28027.
