Our mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Illa Jean Jernigan (Jeannie) peacefully passed away on Tuesday, 1/20/26. Jeannie and her husband, Wayne, raised their children, Bill and Gina, in Wauchula. Jeannie was a kind and giving person. She loved her grandchildren, sisters, brother and family.

She is proceeded in death by her husband, Wayne, grandchildren, Tyler Belflower and Samuel Vasquez, son-in-law, Jack Geckler, sisters Martha Bell, Elaine Dickinson, and brother, Randy Bennett.

Jeannie loved spending time with her sisters, Martha Bell and Mary Beth Bryant. She loved doing anything with her grandchildren, gathering with family over good food, and talking about past memories.

She leaves behind son, Bill Jernigan and wife Beth, daughter Gina Geckler and Gilbert Vasquez.  Grandchildren, Katie Cochran and husband Christian, Isaac Vasquez and wife Kahtia, Hannah Jernigan and Andrew Barringer (Jaylyn, Jensen, Jonah) Jared Jernigan and wife Kalyn (Lilah, Liam).

Family and friends are invited to a memorial on Saturday, 1/24/26, 11 am at First Baptist Church in Wauchula. In Lieu of flowers, donations to East Academy Learning Lab, in Zolfo Springs, Fl would be greatly appreciated. Phone contact is 863.474.3333. Thank you!

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes& Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.