Claudia Jernigan

Mrs. Claudia Hall Jernigan was born to Nathaniel and Jannie Mae Hall on July 25, 1951, in Dayton, OH. Claudia completed her earthly journey on Sunday, August 6, 2023, in Plano, Texas, while surrounded by the love and faith of her family.

 

Claudia attended Dayton Public Schools, beginning as a student of Weaver Elementary and later becoming a 1969 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Dayton, OH. As a young child, Claudia showed an early interest in music. She began taking piano lessons at age 8, which would later help shape her musical incline and propel her into other various facets of her life. 

 

Claudia became actively involved with her church Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, in Dayton. Having served her church in several capacities, including but not limited to: Sunbeam Choir Director and pianist, Sunday School Teacher, and various other servant-leadership roles within her church. After moving her family from Dayton to El Dorado, Claudia later became an active member of Jerusalem Quinn Missionary Baptist Church for several years.

 

On November 16, 1970, Claudia married the love of her life, James Howard Jernigan. Four children were born into this union: Christopher Michael, Bruce Germaine, Dionna Kaye, and Errane Jornelle. 

 

Claudia was not only a dedicated wife and mother to her family, but she also wanted to provide a nurturing family environment for children who were not so fortunate to have one. This 'sparked' Claudia's interest in becoming a hosting foster family. Claudia began fostering children over ten years and provided love and care to over 40 foster children. She was affectionately known throughout the community as the nice lady with many kids. Claudia had an extremely big heart and unwavering faith in God and family. She creatively made the best out of any situation and could be viewed as somewhat stubborn regarding her beliefs or values. 

 

Claudia was a strong, faithful believer in God's amazing grace and unwavering love and mercy. She taught her children to be 'doers,' not just 'reciters' of the word. Claudia instilled in her children to stand out, not conform, and to lean on God for grace and direction. Claudia believed that prayer changed things and truly moved life's 'mountains' and 'pitfalls.' You could often hear her attestation to this, not only by words. Claudia reflected this light through the life she led. In other words, she walked her talk and didn't mind standing alone if necessary. 

 

Before Claudia's health began to fail, Claudia enjoyed annual family trips to Pensacola, Florida, and visits back 'home' to Dayton, Ohio. She enjoyed thrift-store shopping at 'junky,' fishing, playing the piano, sewing and creating home decor, writing short stories, creating songs and music, listening to 60's and 70's sounds of Motown and soulful gospel, and watching some of her all-time favorite television series two of her most favorite being Little House on the Prairie and HGTV Network Television. 

 

Claudia is preceded in death by her husband, James H. Jernigan. Her parents Nathaniel and Jannie Mae Hall. Her sister, Doris Gene Hall Collins. Maternal grandparents, Henry and Helen Williams. Paternal grandparents, Tom and Iona Hall.