**Obituary for Denise Paulette Jernigan**

Denise Paulette Jernigan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Denise Paulette Jernigan, who departed this life on February 28, 2026 at the age of 73. Born on December 21, 1952 in Peoria, Illinois to Hilda and Paul Jernigan. Denise grew up and called Houston, MS home where she was a graduate of Houston High School. After high school, Denise had a wide variety of jobs from a cosmetologist, a librarian at Ole Miss, CSM of Walmart in Aberdeen, to her most beloved job as a stay-at-home mom, where her door was always open to not only her children but any child.

Denise was a beloved daughter, sister, and her most favorite title of them all, mother, grand-mother, and great grand-mother.

A celebration of life service will be held Tuesday March 3, 2026at Houston Funeral Home beginning at 11:00 am with Bro. Anthony Williams officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will follow at the Chickasaw Memorial Gardens of her final resting place. Pallbearers will be Lucas Tubb, Grant Hall, Johnathen Hall, Curt Jernigan Jr., Jeremy Adams, and Troy McArthur. Honorary pallbearer will be Jamison Adams.

Denise was unapologetically, wild at heart, made of gold; a gypsy soul with a love for people more than even imaginable. She loved to dance in her younger years and would turn any floor into a dance floor. She enjoyed cooking and making sure everyone had a full belly. In her later years, she grew an interest in the news and was sure to never miss those Ole Miss Rebels playing football, or any football game for that matter. Her legacy lives on throughout all the lives she touched and never having met a stranger in her life, the list is endless. Denise touched the hearts of so many kids that saw her as mother; she held them all dear to her heart.

Denise is survived by her cherished daddy, Paul Jernigan, her children, Heath Williams (Jennifer), Heather Hall (Ron), Michael Oakes, Stephanie Tubb, and Alanah Tubb; her brothers, Curt Jernigan (Glenda), Keith Jernigan (Margaret); ten precious grandchildren, Grant Hall (Kaylen), Jonathen Hall, Ally Hall, Alyssa Towery, Zella Ray, Lucas Tubb, Lave Tubb, Jamison Adams, Cage Pettigrew, and Austin Gray; one dear great grandbaby, Paisley, a host of nieces and nephews, and a very special friend whom she called her sister, Carolyn Pappas.

Denise is preceded in death by her mother, Hilda Jernigan.

Please keep the family in your prayers.