Funeral services for Nellie Marie Kepper Jernigan, of Summit, were 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, at Tangipahoa Baptist Church, with burial in Whittington Cemetery. The Rev. Mike Morris and Dr. David Millican will officiate. Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home in McComb is in charge of arrangements.

     Visitation was Tuesday from 1 until 2 p.m. at the church.

     Mrs. Jernigan, 79, died April 14, 2012, at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb after a hard fought battle with cancer. She was born in Pike County on May 2, 1932, to Julius “Bubber” Kepper and Annie “Cassie” Short Kepper.

     Nellie was best known as a committed friend and hard worker. Besides raising her own cows and being the caretaker for her parents and homestead, she was employed as an inspector for Kellwood and Homelite for a combined 34 years. She also worked for Wyerhouser for 14 years as a security guard. The friends she made through her love for bowling brought such joy to her life. She also loved Gospel singings, fishing, the Saints and “Dancing with the Stars.”

     Preceding her in death were her parents; two brothers, J.O. Kepper and Hewitt Kepper; and two sisters, Winnie Rester and Dorothy Palmer.

     Survivors are her brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry Kepper and wife, Barbara, and Dudley Kepper and wife, Annie; longtime family friend, Eloise “Sweet” Young; cousin, Gary Boggs and wife, Juanita; and the most special people in her life, her precious nephews and nieces.

     Nellie was so blessed to have such an amazing pastor and friend in Brother Mike and she treasured the comfort his prayers and presence brought through her long illness. She was in awe of the outpouring of love and care from so many wonderful caregivers and her church family who visited with her, prayed with her, brought food, planted her flowers, mowed her yard, took her to doctor appointments and did everything possible to show her what a special person she was.

     She has chosen as pallbearers her nephews, Andy, Drew, Brady and Payton Kepper, Dallas Harrell and her “Buddy”, Cammie Gray Jr.

     Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Baptist Children’s Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39060.