Candice Deann Duke-Jernigan

Candice Duke Jernigan, born May 10, 1982, was a lifelong resident of Creola, Alabama. She passed away on September 11, 2026, at the age of 44. Candice lived a life defined by a deep love for her family, an unmistakable wit, a generous heart, and a strength and resilience that never faded, even through the most difficult times.

Candice was a devoted mother of four. She loved her three stepchildren, Brooklyn Jernigan, Cali Jernigan, and Katlyn Tuggle, as though they were her own. Her son, AJ Jernigan, was her only biological child, her miracle, and her pride and joy. Being a mother was one of the greatest parts of Candice's life, and the love she had for her children was evident to everyone who knew her.

Family meant everything to Candice. Her heart was big enough to make room for people far beyond her immediate family. Throughout her life, she helped raise and care for other people's children, loving and treating them as if they were her own. She had a natural way of making people feel like they belonged.

Candice loved being outdoors and making memories with the people she loved. Some of her happiest times were spent at the river with her family and taking the kids to mud parks. She loved to cook, especially when cooking meant bringing family and friends together around the table.

Anyone who knew Candice knew her personality. She had a quick wit, quick comebacks, and a way of giving people nicknames that could make an entire room laugh. She could bring humor into almost any situation, and those who loved her will remember not only what she said, but the way she could make them feel.

Candice faced serious health challenges during her life, but those challenges never defined who she was. Through difficult days, she continued to show remarkable strength and resilience. She remained positive, continued loving her family, and kept moving forward with the strength that those closest to her knew so well.

Candice shared a deep love with her husband, Stephen Jernigan, who was not only her husband, but her best friend. She never hid how much she loved him. She wanted people to know, and she cherished the life they shared.

Candice was a Christian and a member of Free Life Church in Creola. Her faith was an important part of her life. She valued the Word of God, made church a priority, and worked to instill those Christian beliefs in her children.

Candice leaves behind her husband, Stephen Jernigan; her son, AJ Jernigan; her stepchildren, Brooklyn Jernigan, Cali Jernigan, and Katlyn Tuggle; her mother, Melba Huggins Duke; her father, Leslie Sterling Duke Sr.; her stepmother, Treva Duke; her brother, Leslie Sterling Duke Jr., and his wife, Sara Duke; Natalie Jernigan, whom Candice loved as a best friend and sister; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Candice was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Lee Duke II; her paternal grandparents, Robert Lee Duke and Anna Kirk Duke; and her maternal grandparents, Melvin Huggins and Willie Huggins.

Candice's life will be remembered not simply by the years she lived, but by the people she loved, the children she cared for, the laughter she brought into a room, and the memories she created with her family. Her strength, humor, faith, and love will continue to live on through the family and friends whose lives she touched.

She will be deeply loved, deeply missed, and forever remembered.