Martha Kay Dobbins Jernigan, age 71, of Ellenboro, died Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Fair Haven of Forest City.  Kay was born on March 7, 1953, in Rutherford County and she was a daughter of the late Fletcher Odell Dobbins and Letha Roach Dobbins.  She worked for several years in Customer Service at Mastercraft Corporation and later for GEM Management in Gastonia where she retired as a property manager.  

Kay was a member of Corinth Baptist Church and had also attended Spencer Baptist Church in Spindale.  Family was the most important part of her life, and she loved spending time with them, especially her grandchildren which she adored.  She loved music, watching football, racing and spending time at the beach.  Kay was a sweet and loving person, and she enjoyed helping others.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Douglas Odell Jernigan, Jr., her son, Brandon Douglas Jernigan and wife Kim of Rutherfordton, her daughter, Heather LeAnn Jernigan of Gastonia, her brothers, Ronald Odell Dobbins and wife Elaine of Shelby, Timothy Wayne Dobbins and wife Tina of Ellenboro, and her sister, Patricia Faye Rollins and husband Brent of Gilkey.  There are also three grandchildren, Mackenzie, Hunter, Maddox, and Presley. 

The funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Spencer Baptist Church with the Reverend Bruce Caldwell and Reverend Ad Hopper officiating.  Interment will be held privately at Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends following the service in the Family Life Center at Spencer Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Spencer Baptist Church, 187 N. Oak Street, Spindale, North Carolina 28160 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com