Mary Kay Jernigan

Mary Kay (Katie) Jernigan, age 81, avid cat lover, born in Wetumpka, AL to John Robert Jernigan and Lottie Mae Killingsworth, passed away on September 20, 2012. After receiving her MSW, Katie worked in a broad background of social services including public welfare, Girl Scouts, mental health & hygiene but found her true place in the Office of Aging. Promoted to Director Katie remained committed to serving seniors and understood the “vast reservoir of human resources” seniors should be allowed to offer. Under Katie’s direction the Meals on Wheels program was put into place for the state of Georgia. Valuing her accomplishments, the Carter administration brought Katie to DC to work at the federal level and the Reagan administration honored Katie by keeping her in the position despite the change in regimes. After retiring from the federal government Katie returned to the GA Office of Aging till 1998. Katie was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Vera Jernigan Holton of Camilla, GA and Sarabeth Jernigan Austin of Nashville, TN. Katie is survived by her sister Carolyn Jernigan Thompson of Vidalia, GA, 10 nephews and nieces, 21 great-nephews/nieces and 22 great-great nephews/nieces and several very special longtime friends. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 26th at one o’clock in the afternoon at Arlington Chapel with Reverend J. C. Austin officiating. Katie will then be taken to Monroeville, AL for burial on the family plot.

Katie would be honored by donations to Good Mews Animal Foundation of Marietta, GA or your own favorite cat/animal rescue league. Be happy. Adopt a cat today. Friends are cordially invited to visit with the family Wednesday from eleven o’clock until the hour of service at H. M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd., NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, 404-851-9900.