Gerrie was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on June 15, 1930. She moved to Panama City, FL when she was 6 years old. At the age of 20 she moved to Pensacola, the place she called home for the rest of her life.
In 1950 she met her husband, Cecil. They eloped and were married after only 6 weeks of dating. They shared 59 years together until his death in 2009. Together they shared similar interests during their marriage - from traveling out west in their motorhome to trips to Lake Okeechobee, FL bass fishing. She proudly displayed her bass trophy on the wall. Their travels took them to Alaska, Hawaii and beyond. She loved to snow ski, play golf and ride horses. If anyone said, let's go, she was ready! She shared special times and trips with friends she had since childhood. Their retirement retreat was a home on the river in Camden, AL, where they fished, hunted, hosted fish frys, told fish tales and more importantly shared "Jernigan Family" times and ties that still live on in Camden, AL, to this day.
Gerrie was a charter member of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Pensacola. She was a member of the Sojourners Sunday School Class. She always looked forward to sitting in the pew on Sundays with some of her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick "Cecil" Jernigan; father, Clarence "Buck" Putnam; mother, Mabel Dickson Putnam; one brother, Thomas Dickson; daughters, JoAnne Jernigan Hodges and Susan Marie Jernigan.
Survivors include her granddaughter, Jennifer Roberts (Ben); grandson-in-love, Garrett Hodges (Brittany); great grandsons, Luke, Isaac and Nate Roberts; nephews, Hayne Rucker, Danny Rucker (Robin), Neil Jernigan (Pam); and niece, Brenda Gleaton.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks and deep appreciation to Willowbrooke Court at Azalea Trace for their care, love and compassion for Gerrie. She was blessed to have Emerald Coast Hospice providing the comfort and compassion in filling her last days.
The family will receive friends, Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel followed by a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. at Bayview Memorial Park, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements. Officiating will be Rev. Dana Brady from St. Luke UMC.
Active pallbearers will be Neil Jernigan, Danny Rucker, Wesley Gleaton, Garrett Hodges, Luke Roberts and John Hodges.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke UMC General Budget, 1394 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32514, in her memory.
