The faith of Nelda Joan Fortenberry Jernigan became sight on Monday evening, February 10, 2025.  Nelda now beholds Jesus with sinless eyes.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.at Bartley Memorial Chapel.

A Memorial Service will take place at College Heights Baptist Church in Plainview, Texas on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Robert Moore officiating.  Arrangements are under the care of Bartley Funeral Home.

Nelda Jernigan was born on July 27, 1941, to John Cephus Fortenberry III and Imogene Love Fortenberry in Lockney, Texas. Nelda grew up in Cedar Hill between Lockney and Floydada.  She graduated from Floydada High School in 1959.  She married the love of her life, Clifton Jernigan, on April 2, 1962, in Lockney.

Nelda and Clif were life-long partners.  Together they had two children, Jana Jernigan Jones and Patric Jernigan.  They have two grandchildren, Caleb Jones and Ian Jernigan.  Nelda loved her family deeply and well. (Proverbs 31).

Clif and Nelda served the Lord Jesus Christ in Assembly of God congregations.  Clif pastored several congregations throughout the U.S.  They both fondly remember how the Lord richly and particularly blessed their ministry in Metairie, Louisiana (suburban New Orleans).  During this time period Nelda also worked part-time at a New Orleans law firm. Clif and Nelda also served as evangelists.  Nelda played piano and keyboards and had a Spirit-led gift to select just the right songs for the message that Clif preached.  Nelda was an accompanist and worship leader at Plainview First Assembly in the 1990s through early 2000s.  Many members there love her and have fond memories of her life and ministry.

Nelda had many other gifts and talents.  Her family remembers that she was very organized, a meticulous housekeeper and a wonderful, creative cook.  She had a gentle and quiet spirit.  Nelda wasn't showy.  She was godly.  (1 Peter 3:1-6).  Nelda served as a legal assistant for Paul Holloway from 1996 through 2019.  She faithfully glorified Jesus by her work. (Colossians 3:23-24).

Nelda is preceded in death by her parents, Imogene Fortenberry and John Cephus Fortenberry III; and her sister, Melba Jean Amyx. Nelda is survived by her husband, Clifton Jernigan of Plainview, Texas; her children, Jana Jernigan Jones and husband Brian of Plainview, Texas, Patric Jernigan and wife Kristy of Omaha, Nebraska; her sister, Phyllis Smith and husband Victor of Floydada, Texas; two grandchildren, Caleb Jones of Plainview, Texas and Ian Jernigan of Omaha, Nebraska.