Obituaries

Mark Leonard Jernigan

Photo of Mark Leonard Jernigan
Husband, son, father, brother, special in-law, relative and friend are only a few of the words that describe Mark L. Jernigan. Mark married Analise Stone on May 19, 2001. Mark, at age 60, passed away on their anniversary, May 19, 2018. Mark and Analise changed each other's lives from then until now. Their marriage made life make sense. Mark and Analise have a loving and lasting relationship which will sustain her for the rest of her life. Mark, the son of Frances and Keith Jernigan was born October 7, 1957. Mark and his mother Frances Jernigan had a strong relationship that helped support him until the end. The same bond was held with Mark's brother David, David's wife Stephanie and their children. Mark had two sons, Scott and Blake, whom he loved without reservation. Mark also had two sisters and their husbands, Cynthia and Dr. Randy Maddox, and Elizabeth and Steve Switzer. Mark's extended family believed he was truly their brother and son. His sisters-in-law, Laura Stone and Erin Latsha and brother-in-law, Roger Latsha were his friends and loved him dearly. His nephews, Blake Tipton, Kevin Latting, Taylor Latsha and Tucker Latsha were Mark's special friends. Cynthia and Tom Stone, his mother and father-in-law only had daughters, but Mark became their son. Mark's passing leaves them all profoundly sad. Mark and Analise were fortunate to have been able to work for the same employer, The Arc Arkansas, all of their married life. Mark was The Arc's Operations Manager. His considerable abilities were essential and instrumental in keeping The Arc moving forward year after year. Friend is the word that best describes Mark. His compassion for his friends, his concern for their well being and his calm resolve gave comfort to those he loved. Mark's many friends at The Arc, his lifelong friend David Epperson, his seven year old nephew Tucker and many others were blessed with a special friend. His dearest and best friend, his soulmate, and the love of his life was his precious wife Analise. As a matter of fact he treated her like a princess. A passage from the book "Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran was one of Mark's and Analise's favorites and described their feelings for each other and their friends. Your friend is your needs answered, He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving. For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness. And in the sweetness of friendship and love, let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed." Mark served with pride as a Marine as did his late father, Keith. One of the few times Mark was not truthful was while he was enlisting during the Vietnam War. At only a young 17 years, Mark convinced his recruiter that he was the sort of young man who would be an outstanding Marine. He lived up to his promise. Semper Fi. Visitation will be today, Thursday, May 24 from 5-7 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Graveside services will be Friday, May 25 at 11 a.m. at Oakland Cemetery in Little Rock. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mark's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

Published May 24, 2018

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