Bernadine A. Jernigan

Bernadine Ann Jernigan, born 30 May 1925, died 23 October 2020; she was predeceased by her husband Edward Gene Jernigan, and by sons Michael Ray Jernigan and Patrick David Jernigan; she is survived by children Ed, Barbara, and Deborah; by grandchildren Luke (Amanda), Carey, Ethan, Christine, Lauren, Jeremy, Kyle, and Chelsea; and by great grandchildren Anson and Ethan. Bernie was the second-oldest of 13 children, predeceased by her six sisters and two of her brothers, and survived by brothers Jim, Jerry, Dan, and David. She was raised (even as she also helped raise those children who came behind her) on the family dairy farm in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. As a young woman she made her escape, first to the house of a grandmother in town. She trained as a beautician in Minneapolis, and then moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where she worked with her sister Virgie in a beauty salon. Eventually, Bernie managed several salons. In Corpus Christi she met the man who would become her husband, Edward Gene Jernigan. They were married in 1946. Ed’s career began in the Marine Corps and took him into the CIA, and in the course of it his family lived all over the world: North Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, California, Minnesota; Athens, Greece; Taipei, Taiwan; and Frankfurt, Germany. Bernie became an expert at packing and unpacking, at managing a house alone (when Ed was posted overseas sans dependents), at learning whom she could trust — and at fending for herself and her children when she needed to. During their first 15 years of marriage, Bernie and Ed had five children and lived in 43 homes. She made many close friends during her time overseas, friendships that lasted well beyond those postings. A creative spirit, Bernie studied cooking and painting, and applied herself to both of those arts throughout her life. In addition to raising her children, she worked in an administrative capacity for the CIA and in private industry, retiring in 1987; she cared for Ed in his last years, as well as for various of her children and grandchildren, when they found themselves in need of her. She was indomitable. Bernie held onto her life in this world for 95 years, 4 months, and 24 days. She made every one of those days count: even at the end, her strength of will, of body and spirit, drew her family together, connecting us across the distances. In memory of Bernie, cook and share a good meal, or copy out a recipe, or make yourself a Manhattan — or stand up for someone or something you love. Bernie’s family welcomes any memories you’d care to share.