Catherine Ruth Jernigan

Catherine Ruth Baker was born July 5, 1935 in Dallas Texas. She was the oldest of four children born to Samuel L. and Frankie L. Baker. Following graduation from high school in Dallas Texas, Catherine continued her education by attending Bishop College in Marshall Texas. While attending college, Catherine met and later married Brice Jernigan on March 19, 1955. From that union, they became parents to four children: Shirlynn Frances Jernigan, Kim Finis Jernigan, Broderick Mellon Jernigan, and Addie Courtney Brice Mellon Jernigan. After 14 years of being a stay-at-home mom and housewife, Catherine continued pursuing her dream of being an elementary school teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Southern University in 1969. With almost a 20 year career behind her, Catherine stepped away from the public school classroom, but never stopped teaching. Enjoying her retirement years, she witnessed the marriages of her four children as well as the births of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Catherine and Brice's union ended on October 28, 1997 when she became a widow after 42 years of marriage. Over the past 17 years, Catherine has enjoyed traveling to countries abroad with family and friends. Wife, mother, classroom teacher, world traveler, and civic-minded, Catherine was dedicated to giving back to her church and neighborhood communities. Catherine participated in the following ministries: Dorcas Circle, founder and President, First Female Collection Steward, Sanctuary Choir, Communion Steward, Sunday School Teacher, Shepherd's Ministry, Back Pack Buddies, Alzheimer's Support Group, and United Methodist Women Officer at the local, district, and conference levels. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Grady Lee Baker, and nephew Gene Pailin Jr. She is survived by her four children, two son-in-laws, one daughter in-law, nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, her brother Samuel Baker, Jr., her sister Gracie Lee Pailin and a host of other relatives.