Johnny Wayne Jernigan

Johnny Wayne Jernigan, age 68, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 12, 2019 surrounded by his family at his home in Elkhart.  Johnny was born July 3, 1950 in Winchester, Tennessee to the late John and Murvine (Kelley) Jernigan.  He served in the US Army in the Vietnam War era before being honorably discharged in 1972.  On October 11, 1969, he married Jo Ann Steffen.

Johnny is survived by his wife Jo Ann Jernigan of Elkhart and his children Tammy (Stacy) Wilson of Elkhart and Eric (Vickie) Jernigan of Fort Wayne.  Also surviving are  his sisters Edith “Lucy” Harris of Elkhart and Wanda (Randy) Fall of Harlington, Texas.  Johnny is survived as well by ten grandchildren; Ryan Robbins, Zach (Cierra) Jernigan Sr., Shaianna (Triphon) Lema, Erika Jernigan, Stacy (Cassandra) Wilson, Sosha (Isiah) Johnson, Jasmyne (Bricio) Romero, Harley, Sabrina, and Reanna Bellaire.  Also surviving are his great grandchildren Zach Jr., Liliana, Benjamin, Ryder Allen, Eleanor, Eva, Scarlette, Jayshaun, Elijiah, Brayden, Peyson and Emiliano.  Preceding him in death were his parents, and 3 great grandchildren, Baby Wilson, Helen Johnson, and Jaelin Moore.

There will be one hour of visitation prior to the 11:00 am celebration of life service on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the Mishawaka Church of God of Prophecy, 12800 McKinley Avenue, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545 with Pastor Elwood Adams presiding.  Military honors will also be rendered at the church following the services.

Johnny was employed from 1968 until 2012 at Jessen Manufacturing in Elkhart.  He enjoyed bowling, fishing, doing word search puzzles and watching Westerns on TV. He was also a longtime member of the Moose Lodge in Elkhart and attended church at New Beginnings Church of God of Prophecy in Fort Wayne.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to help with Johnny’s final expenses.  To light a virtual candle or leave a condolence for the Jernigan family, please use the links provided on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.