Faye Hyatt (Leak) Jernigan was born in Holly Pond, AL, the fifth of five daughters to her parents, William Ottis Hyatt and Florence Oliver Hyatt on July 16, 1938. Her parents, all four sisters, step daughter-in-law, Joan Jernigan, and one step-grandchild, Samuel Jernigan, preceded her in death.
Faye and Millard M. Jernigan were united in marriage on January 1, 1983, and enjoyed 43 years together.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Huntsville First Baptist Church Chapel on Governors Drive on April 1. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral at 11:00. Faye attended First Baptist Church for the past 40 years. Interment will be at the New Hope # 2 Baptist Church Cemetery in Holly Pond (Cullman County), AL immediately following the service.
She leaves behind husband, Millard M. Jernigan; daughter, Elizabeth Leak Melvin (David); son, James Daniel Leak (Angie); four grandsons, Adam McWhorter (Jill), Christopher McWhorter, Andrew Leak (Courtney), and Alex Leak (fiancée Delaney Eber); two great-grandchildren, Jackson (Jack) and Olivia McWhorter; and step-great-granddaughter, Lena. Additionally, she leaves three stepchildren, Richard Jernigan, Marilyn Parker (Scott), and Stephen Jernigan (Frankie); 10 step-grandchildren; 14 step-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Devoted wife, mother, and especially grandmother and great-grandmother, Faye provided her love and guidance throughout her life with joy, laughter, and beautiful smiles.
Faye enjoyed gardening, sewing, traveling, and intensive Bible study. She taught biology at Arab High School from 1970 to 1981, then resumed her career at the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, where she retired in 1998 after 28 years of government service. After that, she worked for a defense contractor for four years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Huntsville First Baptist Church building fund at 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801 or to the New Hope # 2 Cemetery Fund at 2290 County Road 1682, Holly Pond (Cullman County), AL 35058.
