Walter Denzel (Denny) Jernigan, 58, of Washington, D.C., passed quietly on Monday evening, March 5, 2007,while at home. Denny was born and raised in Charleston, S.C., and attended the Citadel and seminary. He married Linda J. Hughes, and they moved to Maryland and raised two children. Denny worked as a minister in the Frederick area at St. Marks, St. Luke's and St. Mathew's Lutheran churches. After leaving the ministry, he worked at Metro for a number of years. Denny was a kind many who loved art and science. He was an accomplished carpenter who loved a good laugh. He enjoyed traveling and good food and sought out every new electronic gadget to keep current with technology. Denny is survived by Linda Jernigan, mother of his daughters; his two daughters, Laurin Jernigan, 32, and Chaney Coleman, 31; and eight grandchildren, Jinan, Noah, Yusuf, Khy, Laith, Gabriel, Cayden and Cooper. In addition, Denny leaves behind his life partner of 20 years, Llauger Valentin; brothers, Randy Jernigan and Billy Jernigan; sisters, Sudie Sanders and Patsy Pugh; aunts, Rosa Shaw, Pat Young and Trudy McCaskill; and many, many special friends. Denny is preceded in death by his mothers, Mary Young and Ruth Jernigan; and fathers, Andy Young and Willis Jernigan; and his brother, Jim Jernigan. Denny's request was that no service be held, but rather a party be thrown in his honor. He wanted folks to celebrate his life instead of mourn his loss. Details have not been put together yet. Memorial contributions can be made to any AIDS charity.

He completed the Theological Southern Seminary in 1974 and became an assistant pastor, then senior pastor at Manor Lutheran in Opa-Locka, FL.

Editor's Note: Denny was a History major( graduating Pre-Physical Therapy). He was a proud member of "R" Company - a Sgt. He was a member of the Religious Council, Chairman of the Pre-Ministerial Society, a member of the American Institute of Physics, the History Club, Circle K Club, and was a Chaplin's Assistant. Walter was on the Dean's List his sophomore year.