Helen Jernigan

Helen's Story Helen Jernigan of Springfield, passed away November 17, 2020 at the age of 101. She was born April 18, 1919, near Ozark, the daughter of Henry and Virgia (Bray) Deffenderfer. Helen was united in marriage to Wayne Jernigan on July 13, 1951 and they lived all of their married years on their farm north of Ozark that had been purchased by his parents in 1907. After Wayne's death in July, 1988, Helen moved to Springfield to be near her daughters and their families. Helen became a Christian at a young age and has been a lifetime member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She was a current member of Central Christian Church in Springfield. Church and family were the important aspects of her life. She always enjoyed her Sunday School class and was an active member of Christian Women's fellowship for many years. Helen was a happy grandmother and had many good times with the children as they grew up. She has in recent years had the honor of being a great grandmother. She was always happy for family and friends to come to her home to visit. As long as she was able to have her family all there sharing a meal, it was a good day for her and for the entire family. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne; her daughter, Kay Walton; two brothers, Winford and Thomas Deffenderfer; and a sister, Mable Janette Rahm. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Fischer and husband Bill; son in law Greg Walton; grandson, Lance Fischer (Beki); granddaughters, Angela Miller (Nathan), Michelle Brown (Willy), all of Springfield; and Melanie Buergler (Jeff), of Kirkwood. She has eight great grandchildren, Austin and Jackson Miller, Maggie and Quinnlea Brown, Calvin and Helena Buergler, and Jackson and Evan Fischer. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Helen will be greatly missed by her family, and the many others whose lives she touched. Due to current circumstances, there will be a private visitation and graveside service under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Pastor Geoff Weinman officiating, with a memorial celebration of life to be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church, 1475 N. Washington Ave., Springfield, MO 65802.