Efrem Bernard Jernigan was born on October 4, 1962, in Houston, Texas to John and Sarah Jernigan. Efrem attended Barbara Jordan High School for Careers, where he earned many awards from his drafting exhibit classes and met his high school sweetheart Tammie Davis. He graduated in May of 1981, with a dual scholarship to Texas Southern University and Rice University. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force and join Tammie in marriage on December 17, 1982. From this union, two children were born.

He worked as a chemical operator at Solvay Polymers and LyondellBasell over a span of 30 years. In addition to his career, he started his own business, Industrial Shuttle Services in partnership with the Houston Metro.

Efrem was known for his unwavering faith in God. He obeyed the gospel at the young age of thirteen (13) at the South Union Church of Christ under the Leadership of Bro. Edgar Scott. He was ordained as a deacon at South Union Church of Christ where he spearheaded the Brothers Bonding Breakfast ministry, taught bible classes and served on several other ministries. After that, Efrem served at Pearland Church of Christ under the direction of Bro. Gerald Lee, Sr.

His service to God ended at Bellfort Church of Christ where he was an active member for thirteen (13) years under the direction of Bro. James Glenn. Efrem served on the Sick & Bereavement and Men of Bellfort (MOB) ministries, taught and created curriculum for the new converts class, taught intermediate & senior citizen classes and assisted his church family wherever he was needed.

To know him is to know he was a TRUE fisherman and loved to be in the deep seas reeling in a big catch. His passion for the outdoors and natural ability to master STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) inspired him to start the South Union Community Development Corporation (SUCDC). From this non-profit effort, he created a solar outdoor classroom where he held classes for our youth, a Veterans Garden to pour life into South Union and Sunnyside and co-founded the Global Education Exchange Coalition (GEEC).

His generosity, wisdom and tenacity impacted thousands of lives. Efrem's passion for life was evident in everything he did and touched the lives of many with his warmth and compassion.

Efrem's memory is treasured by his wife of forty-two (42) years, Tammie Jernigan; son, Brandon Jernigan; Brittany (Keenan) Jernigan Seahorn; father, John Jernigan; mother, Sarah Jernigan; brother, Terrence Jernigan Sr.; sister, Jeanelle (Larry) Hayes; grandson, Keelan Seahorn and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Laura and grandson, Isaiah.