Conita “CoCo” Jernigan Lyle

Conita was born March 30, 1938, in Lepanto to Coleman and Nita Jernigan. “Conita” is a combination of her parent’s names. Later in life, her nieces, nephews and friends began calling her “CoCo”. She was a Christian and of the Baptist faith. She graduated from Lepanto High School in 1955. In 1959 she graduated from The University of Arkansas with a BA Degree in Sociology and Government. Her Elementary Education Certification was from Texas Tech University.

Conita began her teaching career in Big Spring, Texas. Then, she traveled abroad to Upper Heyford, Oxford, England, to teach 10-year olds at the USAF Dependent School located there. During her year in England, she traveled extensively throughout Europe, while living in a 500-year-old Manor House named “The Mill House” near the village of Aynho, Oxfordshire, England.

Conita married Howard Hurshel Lyle in 1967 at Parks Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. They divorced in 1978.

“CoCo” was director of Investor Relations for International TME Resources, Inc., a Dallas, Texas based oil and gas exploration company. She continued her travels to Europe, Russia, Asia, South America, Canada and in the U.S., during the past years. Conita was a Life Loyal Member of Tri Delta Sorority, the University of Arkansas Alumni Association, the Descendants of the Mayflower Society, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. In June, 2010, “CoCo” published “Letters from England.” The book was a memoir of her life in the 1960s.

Conita is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by three brothers, Ross Jernigan of Jonesboro, Steve Jernigan of Lepanto and James Jernigan of Brazil; six sisters, Bonnie Kernes of Lepanto, Glenda Taylor of Collerville, Tenn., Gloria Phillips of Redmond, Ore., Maurice Shortnacy of Crawfordsville, Joyce Seibert of Jonesboro and Gail Jernigan of Lepanto; and many nieces and nephews.

Services are private. Arrangements are under the care of Delancey-Murphy Funeral Home, Lepanto. www.delanceymurphyfuneralhome.com