Mrs. Lanell Jernigan

Ollie Lanell Evans Jernigan, affectionately known as Mama Nell or Granny, peacefully passed away on December 3, 2023, at the age of 87 at her home in Panola, Texas. She was born to Robert and Gladys Evans on November 16, 1936, in the Community of Watermans Front, Texas. She was married to Fay Jernigan for 36 years and has been widowed for 33 years. Lanell touched the lives of many children and their families in the Elysian Fields, Bethany, De Berry, and Waskom areas. Lanell received Christian baptism on the 29th day of June 1951 at Waterman’s front Church. Her favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:31 “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Lanell was known for her kind heart, humility, and her nurturing spirit. She opened her home to care for numerous children throughout the years. She dedicated her time and love to volunteering in countless Vacation Bible Schools, not only in our local area but also in Arkansas. Lanell's passion for children's ministry led her to be actively involved at Mt Zion Methodist Church in De Berry, Texas, where she provided children's time during every service until her battle with dementia prevented her from doing so. She attended Church with family at the First Baptist Church in Waskom. In addition to her calling to children's ministry, Lanell was active in the East Texas Women's Walk to Emmaus group. She participated in many walks from #23 to #78 through the years. These activities allowed her to embrace her faith and connect with others. Lanell cherished the times she spent time with her family and often said “They are my greatest blessing”. Lanell was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Gladys Evans, and eight of her siblings: Frankie & Francis Evans, Dale Evans, Ovid Evans, Jimmy Evans, Dennis Evans, Margie Evans Barrington, and Sam Evans. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, James Fay Jernigan, sister-in-law Arrie Sis Goodson, and brother-in-law Alva Ray Jernigan. Lanell is survived by her loving daughter Kim Jernigan Philpot and husband Billie, Brooklyn Mackenzie Berg, and husband Colby and Kennadie Philpot. Great Grandchildren: Maisyn and Gracyn Berg. Daughter Kelly Jernigan Decker and husband Robert, Brian Decker (Amanda), Stephen Foster (Ashley) Great Grandchildren: Alyssa, Hunter, and Thatcher Foster, Brayden Prescott. Daughter Kristi Deen, Mckayla Deen, (Heather and Knox Layne) Morgan Deen, (Jaylan), baby on the way Jayla Marie, and Meah Deen. The family would like to express appreciation to the Master's Touch Ministry of First Baptist Church Waskom for their continuous flow of cards that brought Lanell great joy during her final years. We also express our gratitude to Accent Care Hospice in Longview for their compassionate care and guidance. We offer special thanks to Terry and Sherry Summers and Paula Carpenter whose exceptional care brought Granny comfort and love when family could not be there. The family is grateful for their assistance during this time. Lanell's memory will forever be cherished by her family, extended family, and friends whose lives she touched with her love, care, and dedication. Please join us in celebrating the life of Ollie Lanell Evans Jernigan as we are grateful for the blessing she was to everyone that knew her. Funeral services for Mrs. Lanell Jernigan. will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Ivy Shelton and Rev. Kason Kuydendall officiating. Burial will follow in the Jernigan Cemetery under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m. Wednesday night at Hawthorn Funeral Home.

Tributes

Mrs. Lanell Jernigan

November 16, 1936 - December 3, 2023