AMHERST - Sheri Lynne Jernigan, 46, died March 6, 2010, at home.

She was born in Northampton on Aug. 22, 1963, the daughter of Marietta (Auclair) and John a. "Tex" Jernigan of Hadley. She was a lifelong resident of Amherst and attended Amherst public schools. She was a daughter, granddaughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, niece and a very loyal and dear friend to many. She was an amazing cook and loved holiday gatherings, being with family and barbecuing for her friends and neighbors. She loved traveling, the beach, sun bathing, listening to music and had a great sense of humor.

She was fun and she loved to laugh and be with people. She was caring and was cared about. She had six wonderful children and four grandchildren that she was so proud of. She is sadly missed by those who love her and those whom she loved.

She was predeceased by her brother, Shane Jernigan, and her grandparents, Arthur and Eugenie M. (Descoteaux) Auclair, all of Amherst; grandparents, Hazel I. (Hamett) and John C. Jernigan of Lefors, Texas; and many aunts and uncles. She is survived by her six children, twin daughters, Stacey L. (Jernigan) Myre and her husband Jorn Myre and their sons Joachim and Boden of Greenfield; Stephanie L. Jernigan of Amherst and her children Melanie and Jonevan; two sons, Stephen J. Connelly of Amherst and Michael Johnson of Belchertown; and two daughters, Michelle A. Johnson and Mikaela M. Johnson, both of Belchertown. She leaves a brother, John A. Jernigan Jr. and his wife Candace A. (Roberts) Jernigan of Leverett; and a sister Allison C. (Jernigan) Sinder and her husband Aaron L. Sinder of Dunstable; three nephews, two nieces, numerous extended family members and many lifelong cherished friends.

Calling hours for the public will be held Sunday, March 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wrisley Funeral Home, 90 Sugarloaf St., South Deerfield, MA 01373. A private service is to be held for family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Sheri L. Jernigan Memorial Fund, care of Florence Savings Bank, 85 Main St., Florence, MA 01062.