Dawn Marie Musgrove

Dawn Marie Musgrove, a woman whose vibrant spirit, love for family, and playful sarcasm touched all who knew her, passed away over the weekend at St. Thomas Midtown in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 48 years old. Born on November 25, 1976, in Manchester, Tennessee, Dawn was the cherished daughter of Billy Joe and Carolyn Jernigan. Her life was characterized by a genuine passion for creation, nature, and, above all, her family.
Dawn was a creative soul with a wealth of hobbies. She found comfort and purpose in the methodical rhythm of crochet and took pride in preserving the harvest through canning food. Her kitchen was often filled with the sweet aroma of her delicious baking. A true lover of green things, Dawn had a deep connection to plants and gardening, famously demonstrating her ingenuity by growing potatoes in bags near the old hospital. She approached life with an enthusiastic curiosity, often diving headfirst into new interests and hobbies, even if she didn't make it past the initial start-up stage.
Dawn's personality was as unique as her interests. She had a fondness for jewelry, an appreciation for good chocolate, and a delightful, yet sometimes mischievous, sense of humor, often expressed through cruel jokes and a generous dose of sarcasm. She loved to laugh and made it a point to share that joy with others.
Dawn's deepest love and devotion were reserved for her family and the close friends she held dear. She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 7 years, J.T. Musgrove, Jr.; her mother, Carolyn Jernigan; her daughter, Whitney Swearington; her siblings, Debra Jernigan-Jennings, Lori Jernigan-Newsom, and Shannon Jernigan-Melton; her beloved grandchildren, Maddoxx St. John and Ezikiel Swearington, whom she adored; and special friends, Heather Damron and Christie Sanders. Dawn was preceded in death by her father, Billy Joe Jernigan, and her grandchild, Zaiden St. John.
Dawn Marie Musgrove will be remembered for her loving heart, her infectious laughter, and the beautiful, complex life she built. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and the enduring warmth of a truly unique spirit.
A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday 11/29/2025 at 3pm at Pocahontas Community Center, 1441 Pocahontas Rd. Morrison, TN 37357. Please reach out to Whitney Swearington for any questions. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dawn, please visit our floral store.