Nellie Helen Juneau Jernigan Lumpkin, born August 23, 1920 went to be with her Lord on July 30, 2007. She spent the last four years battling Alzheimer’s Disease.
A native of Burkburnett, Texas, she lived in Gladewater, Texas.
She is survived by her husband of forty-seven years, T. R. Lumpkin of Nederland; son, H. Gary Jernigan and wife Vicki of Kilgore; grandsons, Blaine Jernigan and wife Valerie of Henderson, Jimmy Jernigan and wife Tami of Friendswood, Jeffery Jernigan and wife Melanie of Hallsville and Steven Jernigan and wife Terri of Mississippi; granddaughters, Dana Pigg and husband Gene of Florida and Lori Loiodice and husband Tim of Kingwood; and fifteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Larry R. Jernigan; three brothers; three sisters; and the father of her children, Herbert EJ Jernigan. Nellie is also survived by her husband T. R.’s family; sons, Larry Lumpkin and wife Judy of Nederland, Mike Lumpkin and wife Lisa of Groves, and Tommy Lumpkin and wife Brenda of Houston; and daughter, Cynthia Gontarek and husband John of Groves; grandchildren, Jeff Gontarek and wife Debbie of Nederland, Julie Hebert and husband Kevin of Groves, Joel Gontarek and wife Kim of Port Arthur, Lynn Lumpkin and wife Kandy of Nederland, Kim McDuffie and husband Jeremy of Nederland, Kyle Lumpkin of Beaumont and Greg Lumpkin and wife Monique of Beaumont; and eleven great grandchildren. Also, many nieces and nephews and a sister.
Nell was a life long Baptist who was very involved in teaching and ministry in the churches where she lived. She especially enjoyed teaching the little children and always referred to herself as "Granny Nell".
Although her family was unable to assist financially, Nell managed to go to business school during the depression and to work in many different areas over her lifetime while raising a family. She was an excellent cook and seamstress making many of the clothes worn by her family. She enjoyed raising flowers, especially roses and was thrilled by Hummingbirds. Nell enjoyed a lively game of 42, Uno, Spades or any other table game. Her greatest treasures in life were her salvation, relationship with Jesus, family and friends. She was often heard to say "that's grand" and "marvelous". She was very brave and positive, an excellent Christian role model. People in the nursing home called her "precious". She will be remembered with love by all she knew.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 2, 2007 at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee with interment at Pedigo Cemetery near Dam B. A gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday, August 1, 2007 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
