Mary Jane Jernigan

Born on August 22, 1957 to the late Johnny Follis Sr and the late Lois (Charlton) Follis, Mary Jane was an elaborate and charismatic individual with a contagious smile. Her beaming personality lit the room, and her warmth radiated to all those around. She was engaging, loving, joyful, and intelligent. She gave unwavering effort towards every cause she put her mind to, and inspired numerous souls. She was a visionary, a trailblazer, one with a heart for the people. She believed in everyone and always helped them to believe in themselves also. She loved and supported everyone, and never gave up on anyone.

Born in Lubbock, Texas, Mary Jane graduated at University of Texas at Tyler and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Communications in 1980. Always ahead of her time, her occupation involved working and helping to start revolutionary Internet companies in the late 90s. Before moving to Maryland she volunteered at the American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, and was very involved in her kids' schools including being PTO president. She taught First Aid and CPR. She brought food and items to those who needed it, and always wanted to make sure people had what they needed. Her energy and leadership propelled her to run for town mayor.

In August of 2001, Mary Jane moved her family to Maryland. As a defense contractor, Mary Jane provided instrumental expertise to support our warfighters at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, then worldwide. Her love and passion escalated to unwavering dedication. She opened her home to many, including Soldiers who couldn't make it home for the holidays. She always wanted to make a difference and to make people feel included and loved. Her involvement, ideas, energy, and heart led to volunteer and leadership positions.

Her latest volunteer positions include:

Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army - Maryland - Emeritus (which holds a 3-star general (Lieutenant General) equivalence)

President - Maryland National Guard Youth Challenge Foundation

MD State President - The Association of the United States Army (AUSA)

Board Member - AUSA Aberdeen Chapter

Board Member - Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA)

Board Member - The Association of Old Crows (AOC)

Board Member - Industrial Representatives Association (IRA)

As a mother and grandmother, she enjoyed spending time with her family, either hanging out at the pool, painting, attending her grandchildren's school events and school award ceremonies, eating lunch with her children and grandchildren, being involved in church activities and so much more. She encouraged her family to pursue their goals. She also enjoyed taking her family to military balls and events. Her hobbies included her volunteer work, going to the pool, arts and crafts, reading, playing games, and cooking.

She is survived by her two daughters: Rachael (Weaver) Coyner and husband Tony Coyner Sr., and Stephanie "Rain" (Weaver) Greer and husband David Greer Jr; along with her 4 grandchildren: Tyler Coyner, Lilian Coyner, Paige Greer, and Myah Greer. Surviving siblings include: Sarah (Follis) Harris, Margaret (Follis) Scheer, David Follis, James Follis, and Johnny Follis Jr.

Mary Jane leaves behind a legacy of love for people, love for her family, and love for her country. Her influence reached around the world, and lives were changed because of her. As a Christian, she attended Epic Community Church in Aberdeen, Maryland, and will be missed by her church home, family, friends, and all who have been touched by her life.

Mary Jane had once asked that, in lieu of flowers, plants be sent in her honor so those attending her funeral could take them home in memory of her. Also in lieu of flowers, she had requested donations be made to the Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit organization providing free housing for families while their military or veteran loved one is in the hospital, this of which she was also heavily involved with. Here is the link:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PJBW2XG6ED4FE

The family appreciates comments about how Mary Jane has touched your life. Mary Jane's request to anyone wishing to contribute is to please write stories. Stories of how they met Mary Jane, the memories they shared, and how she inspired you. Also to include any pictures as well. Mary Jane said that this can be their gift to her family, to keep her memory alive, so that her family can know everything she did and was a part of and the lives she touched. Please send these to [email protected].

Services will be as follows:

Viewing 6:00pm-9:00pm on Friday, August 21, 2026, Schimunek Funeral Home, 610 W MacPhail Road, Bel Air, MD, 21014.

Viewing 10:00am-11:00am, followed by Funeral 11:00am on Saturday, August 22, 2026, Oak Grove Baptist Church, 2106 E Churchville Rd, Bel Air, MD, 21015.

Burial to immediately follow at Holly Hill Memorial Gardens, 10201 Bird River Rd, Middle River, MD, 21220.

The family is also open to additional events planned in her honor, as she has touched so many with her life. For any suggestions on this please also send to the email above. Thank you.