ETTA MYRLINE JERNIGAN

passed away on October 9th, 2020, after a long battle with pulmonary lung disease. She was 91 years old. It would be wrong to say she lost her battle because she never stopped f ight ing . Through her we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like.

Myrline was born December 24th, 1928, in Roland, Ark., to the late Mark M. Goodson and Mary Addie (Roberts) Goodson. She was a graduate of Batesville, Ark., High School and attended Draughon School of Business. She was a long-time resident of Sherwood, Ark., and a member of Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church.

She was proud of her career in government service and retired from The Arkansas Legislative Council. Myrline was a fierce bridge player, loved Jesus, fishing, music boxes, big band crooners, anything sweet and she maintained her clever wit until the end.

She is survived by her daughter Jackie Jernigan of Little Rock, Ark.; granddaughters, Ellen Smith (Ryan) of Conway, Ark., and Andrea Jernigan of Arizona; step-daughter Cyndy Ruttley (Joe) of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; daughter-in-law Luona Jernigan of Newport News, V.A.; sister Louella Beasley of Little Rock, Ark.; and a host of beloved great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members. Her family would like to express appreciation to the nurses and staff of Brookdale Chenal Heights who provided care to Myrline for the past seven years.

She was predeceased by her son, Stevan J. Jernigan; grandson, Patrick J. Jernigan; brothers, Macklin Goodson, Maurice Goodson, Melborne Goodson; and sister Juanita Avery.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, October 16, at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 AR-5N, Alexander, Ark. The family requests that everyone wear Fall colors, which were her favorites. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.