MURFREESBORO – Linda Marie Vinson Jernigan, age 65, of Murfreesboro passed away on February 15, 2014 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Jernigan was born on November 13, 1948 in Winton, NC, a daughter of the late Elliott Lee and Ella Mae Hall Vinson.  Linda was a member of Winton Baptist Church and was very active in Hertford-Gates Relay for Life, Southern Chicks Team.  For over twenty years, she was a local Avon Lady, enjoying meeting people through her Avon sales.  Linda enjoyed gardening, canning, family history, and especially loved her grandchildren, as was evident by the little humorous sayings on plaques throughout her home, like  “WE CAN AT GRANDMAS” and “GRANDMA – SPOIL ‘EM GOOD – SEND ‘EM HOME.

Mrs. Jernigan also loved to quilt, making many baby quilts for all the local newborns, every stitch by hand. She was especially proud of one she made for her grandson, made of fire department patches she collected, and one she made for her husband, made of calendar towels she collected for every year they were married.

Being a history buff, Linda researched the history of the Winton Fire Department and presented them with a book commemorating that history. In return, the Winton Fire Department presented her with a plaque of appreciation for her work.

Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband, Joseph Steve Jernigan; her daughter, Elizabeth Jane Hollingsworth and husband, Paul, of Murfreesboro; her son, Joseph Steve Jernigan Jr. of Suffolk, VA; two sisters, Gloria  Lassiter and husband, A.J. of Murfreesboro, and Rebecca Davidson and husband, Joey of Colerain; two brothers, Elliott L. Vinson Jr. of Murfreesboro, and Robert Vinson Sr. and wife, Kay of Winton;  granddaughters, Holly Marie Jernigan of Gates, and Jane Marie Hollingsworth of Murfreesboro; and grandsons, Joseph Steve Jernigan III of Suffolk, VA, and Steven Paul Hollingsworth of Murfreesboro. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel, Ahoskie, NC, and other times at the home.

A celebration of life service will be conducted on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, 2:00 pm at the WintonBaptistChurch, Winton, NC, with the Rev. Joseph Futrell, officiating. Burial will follow in the ChurchCemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hertford-Gates Relay for Life, Southern Chicks Team, c/o Angie Plaunty, 226 Jernigan Swamp Rd., Ahoskie, NC, 27910.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Jernigan family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.