| Notes |
- Mary Helen Haines notes:
P. 95 from Lola McFarland's 1966 book."Adne Frances Williams - married to Dr. James Jernigan. She was born Nov. 15, 1918, in Dallas Texas. Attended school is (sic) Dallas St. Louis, Indianapolis, Ladonia, C.I.A. in Denton where she graduated in 1936. She taught school in Whitewright and in Pilot Point, where she met her husband. During his service in World War II she spent some time in Columbia South Carolina and Grenada, Miss. and in Dallas, where she was employed by the Federal Housing Administration. Upon his return from the service, they spent some time in Vernon, where he was an administrator in the Public School System. From there he spent one year in Chicago, and he received his PhD degree. In 1963, Dr. Jernigan was made President of the College, and Frances is very active in church and civic affairs and in being the "first lady of the campu. They have two children, James Jernigan Jr. and Laura Jernigan. The children and Frances accompanied Dr. Jernigan on a month longtrrip to Thailand, sponsored by the state Department and the American Association of Teacher Education.
Obituary in Dallas Morning News
JERNIGAN
FRANCES Williams died at 7:15 AM January 16, 1996 at the Gardens a Richardson after suffering a severe stroke June 16, 1995 Frances was born at Baylor Hospital November 15, 1918, the daughter of William McKibben Williams and Florence McFarland Williams. Mr. Williams was an early pastor of The Greenville Ave., Christian Church and at one time the editor of the Christian Courier. Francis is survived by her husband of 55 1/2 years, Dr. James C Jernigan of Richardson; children, James W Jernigan and wife, Tyla of San Diego, California, and Laura Frances Espensen and husband Ken of San Antonio. In addition she is survived by four grandchildren, Jennifer and Scott Espensen of San Antonio and Corey James and Shelley Lee Jernigan of San Diego, California. She also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of friends in all walks of life. Early in her professional career with a new Bachelor of Science degree in home economics at the then Texas Women's University, she began her teaching career in Whitewright, Texas high school at the age of 19. There she met her future husband who was the high school principal. The Jernigan's were married in 1940 and moved to Pilot Point, Texas where Dr. Jernigan was superintendent of schools. In 1942 when her husband entered military service, Frances moved back to Dallas and served as a home counselor with the Dallas Housing Authority. She was reunited with her husband in 1946 when they moved to Kingsville, Texas and he became an instructor and Dean of Student Life at Texas A & I University and Kingsville. In 1947 Frances accompanied her husband to the University of Chicago where he completed his doctorate in 1949. During that time she demonstrated her versatility not only in helping her husband with his studies, but also serving as a secretary for the World Council of Churches. A lifelong member of the Christian church ( Disciples of Christ ), Frances devoted her energies and talents to all phases of the church as well as a truly ecumenical follower of all denominations that serve God. As her husband advanced in the education field, Francis supported him every step of the way. In her own right, she completed her Masters degree at A & I in 1952. She served several years as a trustee of the Kingsville ISD; she was a member of the state board of the Christian Church in Texas; she was an avid reader and organized a "Great Books" group and Kingsville which is still in existence. At the time of her death, Frances was an elder emeritus of the First Christian Church of Richardson where she had served in almost every capacity in the life of the church. While her husband served as President of Texas A&M University (now Texas A&M at Kingsville), and later as Chancellor of the University system, Francis played a very important role in working with faculty and students families and helping them adjust to university life. Finally, even after several years of a disabling illness when she could no longer serve her fellow man, she called every member of her church, young and old, on their birthdays. She lived her Christianity by serving others as long as she could. Services will be held January 18, 1996 at 10 AM at the first Christian church in Richardson, Texas. Family visitation will be at the first Christian Church in Richardson, Texas on Wednesday evening from 7 to 8:30 PM. In lieu of flowers make contributions to the church of your choice or to the James C Jernigan Library at Texas A&M University at Kingsville.
Pleasure funeral home van Alstyne 903-482-5225
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1918 - 1996 (77 years)
