Helen Jernigan

Born in Benton City, Missouri to Pearl and Nora Ballew, Helen arrived on July 16, 1924.

Helen married Charles A. Jernigan on November 15, 1953, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They were married for 58 years. Helen was Christian Education Director at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith. She and Charlie had four children. They lived in Fort Smith for over 40 years before moving to Mesa, Arizona in 2000. She and Charlie became members of Church of the Master Presbyterian Church where they sang in the choir. Helen was a member of P.E.O. for 70 years and was currently in Chapter EZ here in Mesa. Helen loved life and lived it to its fullest. She loved the Lord with all of her heart and shared His message with all she met. She gave all of her love to her family and her friends. She is beloved by many, and HIS LOVE shined through her always.

She is survived by Becky Beck, (Al), Jennifer Jernigan and Janet Jernigan, and Helen Bleach, (Michael). She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents and brother, Robert Ballew.

Helen lived with her daughter Helen and son-in-law Michael. She died peacefully at home with family surrounding around her. Hospice of the Valley was also with her every step of her last weeks. Sheri, Kathy and Margaret along with so many from that organization were a blessing to her and her family. Thanks be to God for Hospice and all of the many wonderful people who are part of that organization. Pastor Ben Seller, of Church of the Master, as well as many of her friends were also such a comfort to her in those last weeks and brought her so much joy.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Roselawn Cemetery, 5403 North O Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904. Local arrangements entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901, (479) 782-8203.

Please leave a tribute to Helen on the family's website at www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.

Other arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 400 South Power Road, Mesa, Arizona 85206.

A Celebration of Life will take place sometime in early fall at Church of the Master Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, Helen asked for donations to go to either Samaritan’s Purse (samariatanspurse.org or Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607) or Hospice of the Valley. Mail Hospice donations to 220 E. Woodside Court, Gilbert AZ 85297.

As she met the Lord, we can hear Him say, from the book of Matthew; “Well Done Good and Faithful Servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of the Lord.”

Helen will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother and friend.