Timothy Jernigan was born in Midway, Alabama on January 18, 1948. He was the son of the late Ola Jernigan and Millage Jernigan, Sr.

Having relocated to Chicago, Illinois with his family at a very young age, he received his elementary and secondary education in the Chicago Public School System. He continued his education at the Chicago Area Vocational School where he completed the Machining Technology program of study.

While in high school, Timothy met and was totally captivated by Barbara Howse; and in 1970, they were united in marriage. His love for his wife was unmatched—she was the sparkle in his eyes, the beat in his heart, and the air that he breathed. Together, they created a home filled with love and strong family values. Timothy was an awesome husband and father who took great care in providing for his family through his employment as a machinist.

No matter what the task, he was a loyal employee who poured himself into his work untiringly and retired after rendering years of dedicated service.

Endearingly known as "Tim" by many, Timothy really knew what it meant to have a life well-lived. He was deeply devoted to his family and friends; provided love and support to anyone in need; led by example; was accepting and forgiving; never met a stranger; and always found a silver lining in every situation. His heart was filled with kindness, care, and compassion for all that he encountered. To know him was to dearly love him. In his leisure, he enjoyed the beauty of nature; spending time with family; or just relaxing with friends as they engaged in endless hours of thought provoking conversation. He will be sorely missed by all who were blessed by his friendship and love.

Though Timothy's earthly departure on December 21, 2023 leaves a void in our hearts, his caring spirit will always be remembered. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six siblings, Mildred Turner, Lillie Mae Gordon, Michael Jernigan, Willie Lee Lang, Fletcher Ivory, and Samuel Thompson.

Loving memories will forever remain with his wife of 52 years, Barbara Howse Jernigan; his daughter, Kimula Hall; stepson, Anthony (Tarita) Howse; siblings, Nettie Magett, Sophie Maultsby, Edna (Larry) Settles, Sally (Alexander) Johnson, Mary (Odell) Glenn, Elmore (Marie) Jernigan, Millage (Sophia) Jernigan, Wilford (Sandra) Jernigan, Robert (Ruth) Turner, and Gerald Wallace; brother and sister-in-law, Freddie Turner and Carol Jernigan; six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.