Athlene Jernigan

Athlene Jernigan, age 81, of Whiteville, NC passed away peacefully on Monday, September 25, 2023, at the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Angel House, Whiteville.  Athlene was born in Columbus County on June 5, 1942 to the late Lawyer Jernigan and Bertha Sasser Jernigan. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a sister; Gracie Byrd and a brother; William Jernigan.

She was a member at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.  Athlene was employed for many years as a seamstress with Whiteville Apparel.  She loved being a seamstress, working in her yard, cooking, sitting with people in need through home care and child care.

Left to cherish her memory are her nephew; Joseph Byrd (Melissa) of Nakina, four sisters; Carolyn Fiegel (Bill) of Whiteville, Christine Lindsey of Stanton, VA., Joyce Hamm of Hickory, NC and Rosemary Cooke of Orange Park, Fl., a brother; Marshall Jernigan of Whiteville, 11 nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the McKenzie Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Roger Coffee officiating.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 2:45 pm prior to the service.  Burial will follow at Flynn Cemetery.

McKenzie Mortuary is serving the Jernigan family.