Sylvester Jernigan's Obituary
Sylvester Jernigan was born May 11, 1939 in Noxapater, Mississippi to Reverend Uriah Jernigan and the beautiful Emma Cole-Jernigan. He was the youngest of six children.
In February 1956 Sylvester’s parents Uriah and Emma Jernigan, influenced by Emma’s brother John Homer Cole and their eldest son Leavester Jernigan, decided to leave Mississippi for California. In hopes of providing a better life for their family, they packed up their six children, bought a home in San Mateo, California and became faithful members of the Pilgrim Baptist Church. Upon arriving in California, Sylvester attended and graduated from Elm San Mateo High School in 1958. After graduation he completed an internship and received a certificate for Meat Processing/Meat Science.
In 1963 Sylvester met and married Margaret Barker-Jernigan. They moved to Redwood City, California and they were married for five years. From this union two children were born, Monica and Randy. Sylvester worked for National Seal Corporation in Redwood City, California as an Engineer. However, realizing that he wanted to work in the field that he was most passionate about, he resigned from National Seal Corporation to pursue a career as a Butcher for the Safeway and Lucky’s Corporations. He was dedicated to his career, and because his excellent work ethic he was named employee of the month on several occasions. While he truly loved his job, Sylvester decided to retire from the food industry and lived his life to the fullest by doing what he loved most; spending time with family and hanging out at his favorite spot, Bay Meadow, the horse racetrack.
Sylvester loved spending time with his older sister Mary. It was because of her that he had developed a love for antiques over the years. He and his sister would often go to estate sales to hunt for quality antique pieces. As for the racetrack, you couldn’t keep him away from it. He loved going to the racetrack so much so that he would stop by on his way home from work to place his bets. However, he didn’t love the racetrack just because he loved the sport. My dad always would say, “horses have heart and they always do everything possible to make their person happy”. Sylvester will be missed but always remembered for his smile, laugh and his funny jokes; at least he thought they were funny.
Sylvester Jernigan is survived by his ex-wife Margaret Barker Jernigan, his children, Monica Jernigan of Stockton CA, Randy Barker of Stockton CA, and Greg Hayes of Sacramento CA; his grandchildren Christopher Jabbar Fomby Jr., Cedrick Bernard Eugene Thomas, Randy Barker Jr., Diamond Hayes, Greg Hayes Jr., Jay’len Fomby and Marquel Fomby, his brother-in-law James Jimmy Burnette, his stepson Ralph Brister, Cousin: James Cole of Sacramento Ca, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family. He is proceeded in death by his parents Rev. Uriah Jernigan and Emma Cole-Jernigan, his brother Leavester Jernigan, his sisters Clara Jernigan, Ruth Jernigan-Burnette, Mary Jernigan-Corley, Bessie Jean Bates, Uncle John Homer Cole and his stepson Nathaniel Booker.
What’s your fondest memory of Sylvester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sylvester?
Share a story where Sylvester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sylvester you’ll never forget.
How did Sylvester make you smile?