The Journey began for Elizabeth Autry Jernigan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend on October 2, 1937 in Shreveport, Louisiana. She met Jesus in heaven on March 16, 2019 in Saraland, Al. She was born to the union of Elijiah Quitman Autry of Coffeeville, Al and Tilda (Tootsie) Cason of Perry County. She was born in Shreveport where her father worked for the Postal Telegraph which later merged with the Western Union. The journey continues when the family moved back to Mobile, Alabama in 1942. It was under the dedication of her 1st grade teacher, Miss Della Nettles, Elizabeth aspired to become a teacher. She attended Prichard Homes and Glendale Elementary Schools. She then graduated with honors from Vigor High School in 1956. Elizabeth worked at First National Bank and saved her money along with money from home for 1 year before college. The personnel supervisor, William Sadler promised her a job each summer between her college years. With the help of devoted parents, she graduated Cum Laude from the University of Montevello (Alabama College) in 1961, with a BA degree in art education. She later (1985) earned her masters in Elementary Education for the University of Mobile. She was 1 of 5 members of the first graduating class of the University of Mobile. She developed a love for writing letters and cards to famous people and friends. Her 8th grade teacher,Mrs. Henry Schaub was her inspiration. Elizabeth loved her almost 30 years of teaching elementary children. She taught 3rd and 4th grade at Maryvale, Robert E. Lee and Saraland Elementary. She also had a love for genealogy and delighted in discovering new items about her family! Her path to Glory began at the Dauphin Way Baptist and continued at the First Baptist in Prichard. It was here at First Baptist Prichard (now Collage Park) under the leadership of Pastor Joe Hagler, in 1951 that she become a child of Godl It was also in God's plan that her future husband would be in this same church. Jimmy and Elizabeth met in Training Union and Sunday School. They become engaged Christmas 1960 during Elizabeth's senior year of college. She married her high school sweetheart July 1, 1961. They were united in holy matrimony by Rev. Bob Norman. Elizabeth and Jimmy had one beloved son, James "Jay" Jernigan. Their prayer for Jay was he too be a child of the King. He was baptized by Dr. Dan Taylor at First Baptist North Mobile (now Redemption). Jay brought into the Jernigan family a lovely Christian wife, Natalie Bryant. They have one son Caleb Autry Jernigan (he was her sunshine). Elizabeth is preceded in death by her sweetheart, love of her life, best friend, and husband James "Jimmy" Jernigan. Parents: Elijah Quitman Autry, Sr. and Tilda ''Tootsie'' Cason. Paternal Grandparents: Noah Frank Autry and Margaret "Maggie" Virginia Hudson. Maternal Grandparents Tenholm Cason and Matilda Church Ham Cason Murray. Beloved Brother: Elijah Gene Autry. Sister in law: Mabel Davis Autry. Brother in laws: William "Billy" Jernigan and Charles Hoven. Father in law: George James Jernigan. Mother in law: Beatrice Parker. She is survived by a loving, caring, faithful, son James "Jay" Jernigan. A loving, caring, wonderful, talented daughter in law Natalie Bryant Jernigan. The answer to many prayers a beloved grandson Caleb Autry Jernigan. Sister in laws: Nancy Jernigan Springfield and Diane Jernigan Hoven. Nephews: David Autry, Connie (Amy) Hoven, Brian Jernigan and Sandy Jernigan. Nieces: Pam (Chuck) Lackey, Rhonda (Edward) Landrum, Keeli (Bo) Martin, Lisa (Wayne) Jordan, Dawn (Steve) Rowell and Tara Jernigan. loving cousins: Margaret Aurty Seymour, Nathalee Autry Brooks, Patricia Autry Harvey, Marilyn Seale Wilson and J.C. Buddy Ham. A WONDERFUL group of friends including Sandra Gibbs, Marsha Robichaux, Cindy Seibert, Margie and Johnny Shell.
She loved God, her country, family, friends, and many relatives and especially the Joy Bells Sunday Scholl Class at Redemption Church where she taught for many years. She left a legacy of love and caring for others and so many cherished memories for all that know her. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 22, 2019 from 5:00- 8:00 pm at Radney Funeral Home, 1200 Industrial Parkway, Saraland, AL 36571. Funeral services will be 10:00am Saturday, March 23, 2019 from the chapel of Radney Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers call your Mom and Dad and spend time with them. If you don't have a Mom or Dad call someone else who may be lonely and spend time with them. Send cards and letters DON'T TEXT PEOPLE LOVE MAIL!
