Mrs. Patsy Lee (Ray) Jernigan, age 83, of Gamaliel, Kentucky passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023, just a day short of her eighty-fourth birthday. Patsy was born on March 24, 1939, the daughter of the late Fred Bransford Ray and Lecta Ann (Deckard) Ray. She married James Charles Jernigan in June of 1964. Patsy built her career around public service working side by side with her husband in his law firm, and having served Monroe County as Circuit Clerk for six years, then on to serve as County Clerk for five years, before handing the reigns over and stepping down to serve as Deputy Clerk for twenty-nine years until her retirement in 2020. Patsy was a wealth of knowledge and had a smile that could light up any room.
She is survived by her son, James Carter Jernigan, of Gamaliel, one brother Max Ray, of Tompkinsville, three sisters-in-law: Idru (Taylor) Vibbert and husband Joe of Louisville, Kentucky, Shirley Taylor of Gamaliel, and Jackie Taylor of Glasgow. Several nieces and nephews and a host of friends also survive.
In addition to her parents, and husband “Jernigan,” she was preceded in death by one sister, Peggy Ray, Brothers in law: Joe Taylor and wife Margaret, Jerome Taylor, John Taylor, David Taylor and wife Martha, Charles Taylor and wife Joyce, and two sisters in law: Alfreda Fay Ray, and Rebecca Rich Ray.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from Bartley & Sons Funeral Home in Tompkinsville, with burial to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Brian Fox and Jamie Tooley will officiate the service.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until time for services at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the funeral expense fund at the Funeral Home.