Dean or "Granny" as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren was born in Winston County, Mississippi on March 7, 1929 to Walter and Irma Clay Kemp. She was married on November 8, 1948 to Julius Lamar "Jule" Jernigan from Mashulaville. He preceded her in death on March 20, 1991. They made their home in Mashulaville before moving to Winston County in the 1980's. She remained a member of Mashulaville Baptist Church.
She spent most of her early childhood days working in the fields and later in vegetable gardens and in her yards full of beautiful flowers. Not only did she raise the most beautiful plants with her "green thumb" and loving care; she raised five children with that same love and care. Her children are: Glenda (John) Puckett of Birmingham, AL; Steve (Susan) Jernigan of Louisville, MS; Julia (Gary) Peace of Pinson, AL; Mary Elizabeth "Beth" (Steve) Krapac, of Vicksburg, MS; and Amy (Kirk) Houser of Houston, TX.
She was Granny to Aaron (Tracie) Puckett and their daughter Anna Marie; Laura Puckett (Jeremy) Hodge and their two sons, Jake and Luke; Blake Jernigan (Veronica Boyd); Brandon Jernigan (Christina Conger) and son Mason; Kayla Jernigan (Doug) LaRock and children, Douglas, Julian, Elliana, and Kaison James (KJ); Alan (Jessica) Peace and children, Leland and Elizabeth Claire (Ellie); Cody Peace; Hannah Krapac (Max Wamsley); Sarah Krapac (Tony) Nowell and children, Daveigh, Dalton, and Harley-Ann; Alex Houser; and Ian Houser. She was the apple of her grandchildren's eyes. She loved to sew and will pass many hand sewn and embroidered treasures down to them. She also was a fabulous cook and could turn any food into a magic meal for her family and friends. She would always have a pound cake or a caramel cake waiting on anyone who might visit. She also passes this trait to many of her children and grandchildren. There will never be another meal as good or seasoned with love like hers.
She is survived by a sister, Pauline Kemp Fuller of Louisville MS, and was preceded in death by sisters; Christine Kemp Whitehead and Evelyn Kemp West. She was preceded in death by brothers: Woodrow, JW, Cecil, Rexall, Elliot, and Fred Kemp. She was also a loving aunt to their children. Her quick wit would keep them in stitches.
Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons: Aaron Puckett, Blake Jernigan, Brandon Jernigan, Alan Peace, Cody Peace, Alex Houser, and Ian Houser. Memorials may be made to Mashulaville Baptist Church Cemetery Fund in care of Eddy Gaylord, 38501 MS Hwy 14 West, Macon, MS 39341.
