Jennifer Jernigan Rodes

1959 - 2021

Jennifer Jernigan Rodes of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at her residence following a courageous battle with cancer. Jen, as she was known by her friends, was 62 on April 12, 2021 and left this life surrounded by her loving sisters.

Jennifer is survived by sisters Vicki Highland and Diane Ratliff; nieces Susan Kennedy, Cynthia Templeton, and Michelle Cowan; great nephews Christopher Howell, Michael Templeton, Justin James, J. J. Cowan, Cameron Smith and great nieces Haley Cowan, Caitlyn Kennedy, and Brittany Kennedy; cousins Tony Jernigan, Terri Thomason, Teresa Eckard and Carol Moffett; her special uncle Arthur Lowe and brother-in-law Fred Highland..

Preceding Jennifer in death are her husband Ronnie Rodes, son Garrett Reed Rodes, father Victor Lamar Jernigan and mother Dorothy Helen Richards Jernigan; sister Sharon Jo Howell; paternal and maternal grandparents.

Born in Lufkin, Tx, Jen moved with her parents from Corrigan, Tx to Nederland, Tx in 1959. She attended her first 4 years of school there and then returned to Corrigan where she graduated high school. She received her undergraduate elementary education degree from Stephen F. Austin University, her counseling Master's Degree from Sam Houston University and her Licensed Professional Counselor certification from the State of Texas. Her long career began with teaching elementary students in Corrigan ISD and Onalaska ISD; then she became a counselor and served Huntsville ISD and Conroe ISD until she retired to provide full-time care of her son, Garrett.

Jen was a member of Teacher Retirement System, Texas Counseling Association, Montgomery County Retired School Personnel and Parent Project Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Her servant heart was beloved and recognized by all who knew her. She was a talented musician, educator, mentor and speaker. But most of all she was a disciple of Christ and spread His light and love in all phases of her life. Jennifer was a member of Crossroads Baptist church, The Woodlands.

A Celebration of Life service will be scheduled in June at Montgomery UMC for Jennifer and her son Garrett. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a GoFundMe account found on Garrett's Facebook page to offset medical/funeral expenses (https://gofund.me/4b9b11ad); a medical account at Woodforest Bank (account #1316359858); or to Parent Project for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, www.CureDuchenne.org. The gracious generosity of her friends and family has been overwhelming. The family would also like to express their sincere thanks for the prayers and support from her many friends. A very special thank you is extended to Caring Senior Services for their compassionate care during the final weeks of Jen's life. She was totally loved and will be missed beyond measure.