Carole Marie Jernigan

10/21/1930 – 8/20/2025

“May she rest in peace”

No story about Carole is complete without the mention of her late husband of 66 years, Lt. Col. Jimmie Milton Jernigan.*

Carole was adopted and grew up in New Rochelle, NY in humble beginnings, basically serving as a maid to her adopted family. She eventually became a secretary, and on a whim, went on vacation with a girlfriend to Florida. There she met a handsome Air Force pilot who swept her off her feet! They married in 1954.

While Jimmie had a long military career, they lived in Germany, California, Montana, and Houston, and finally settled in Austin, TX when they retired in 1973. They raised 2 daughters, Jill Jernigan and Lynn Jernigan, who both still live in Austin.

Carole was always “on the go” and always active. She loved to sing, and would perform “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” at the Officer’s Clubs wherever they lived. Her love of Mahjong started early – way before it became popular. She taught it at the Officers Clubs during their military days, and continued to teach it to her neighbors, and at various recreation centers around Austin. But her main role was always being Jimmie’s wife, and mother to her two daughters – even serving as a Girl Scout leader.

When they retired, they built the house at 13213 Mansfield Drive, and became the bedrock for “The Dam Bunch”. Several other military retirees built homes on Mansfield Dr. at 13104, 13106, 13212, 13304 and13306. And Carole served as the “Social Director” and “Mayor of Mansfield Drive” before computers and cell phones!

For decades this Dam Bunch community has remained close and unique. It has served as its own HOA – graciously accepting new neighbors into the circle if they chose to join; and even policing the neighborhood when needed. The benefit was that everyone knew their neighbors, felt secure, could easily ask for help, and could party locally with their neighbors.

Many thanks to the Jernigans – for being the foundation of Mansfield Drive. You will be missed!

*Note: This story includes some generalizations due to dated information.

The Funeral will be a grave side service on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 12:00 pm at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill Park Cemetery, which is located at 13700 North IH35, Pflugerville, TX 78660. It is along the N IH35 service road, just north of the W Howard Lane intersection. Go through the first gates on the right. The grave site is at the corner of the 2nd road on the right.

Please dress according to the weather!

Immediately following the service, there will be a small reception at the MASFAJITAS Mexican Restaurant, about 1 mile north on the IH35 service road, just past the Wells Branch intersection. Please sign the reservation sheet next to the Guest Book, so we can give the restaurant an approximate count.