Obituary of Sarah L. Jernigan

Columbia, SC - Sarah L. "Polly" Jernigan died on November 5, 2014. A memorial service will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 170 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210 at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2014. The Reverend Phillip L. Webster, II and Canon Robert Reigel will officiate. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Woodridge Funeral Home, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, SC 29073 is assisting the family. Polly was born in Reidville, SC April 22, 1920, the daughter of the late Paul Holland and Eunice Ruth Harper Leonard. After graduating from University High School in 1937 (where she was valedictorian), she attended Converse College and earned a BA degree from the University of South Carolina. Polly received her M.A. degree in Journalism from the University of SC in 1980. A former member of the Public Relations Society of America, she was also a member of Kappa Tau Alpha, honorary fraternity. At USC she was one of the five founding members of Beta Zeta Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority, serving as an officer, and was secretary of the Co-Ed Association. In 1991, she received the prestigious "Converse 100" award from Converse College. Polly served as President of Brennen Elementary School PTA and was Public Relations Chairman for the SC Congress of Parents and Teachers for six years. She was chapter regent, as well as serving in other offices of Fort Congaree Chapter, Daughters of the American Colonists. Later, she was State Regent of the SC Society, Dames of the Magna Carta for eight years. A member of Dianthus Garden Club, she was President and held various other offices. Polly held memberships in Clan Keith, the Huguenot Society of SC, the Caroliniana Society, the Columbia Media Club, and Forest Lake Club. She was a former Vice President of the Women of the Church at St. Martin's in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. She was active in St. Hilda's Guild and taught church school. She was a member of the Acres Club, serving as both Secretary and President. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Her work history included being a reporter for the Charleston News and Courier, an editorial assistant for Collier's Magazine in Washington, DC. She also wrote a weekly feature story on homes/decoration for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. She served as Executive Secretary for the SC Real Estate Association, Executive Vice President of the American Cancer Society's SC Division, Public Relations Director for the Mid-Carolina Council on Alcoholism and its Alcohol Safety Action Program, former Editor of The Star Reporter and Development Director for Planned Parenthood of Central SC. She also did volunteer work for Contact Help and the Town Theatre for a number of years. A true Southern lady, Polly loved her family, many friends, and her little Jack Russell Terrier, Dixie. She was always the life of the party with her quick wit and contagious laughter. The family wishes to thank her wonderful caregivers, Regina, Marshalette and Laura, as well as the caring staff of NHC Healthcare. Surviving are her daughter, Jan L. Jernigan of Lexington; her granddaughter, Polly Ann Jernigan Aun of Lexington; step-son, Martin L Jernigan, Jr. and his family of Niceville, FL; her nieces and nephews, Pat (William)Miller of Atlanta, David (Gina) Leonard of Greensboro, NC, Rob (Elly) of Phoenix, AZ and Sandy (Ron) Gercke of Phoenix, AZ. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Charlie Manning and his family. Mrs. Jernigan was predeceased by her husband of more than 50 years, Martin L Jernigan, daughter, Sarah (Sally) Jernigan; brothers, Ensign Edwin Madison Leonard, Dr. Robert Beverly Leonard, and Davidson Harper Leonard; step-daughter, Marjorie J. "Bunny" Manning. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.