Jerlene Lou E. “Jerrie” Wingo, daughter of Earl Chapman and Agatha Mae (Moody) Chapman was born November 30, 1938, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and departed this life December 10, 2024, at Glenwood Healthcare Center in Seymour, Missouri, at the age of 86 years and 10 days.
She was united in marriage to Clifford Wingo and to this union four children were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Ricky Lee Wingo; brothers, Jesse, Tommy, Harvey, and Earl Chapman; sister, Earline Craft; special parent figures, Ken and Phyllis Ballew and son-in-law Doug Jones.
Jerrie is survived by three daughters, Calleen Jones of Mansfield, Missouri, Kathy Angi and husband Ken, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Paula Smith and husband Rob, of Moore, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Evan Jones of Springfield, Missouri, Colton Jones and wife Chelsea, of Mansfield, Missouri, Taylor Angi of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Connor Angi and wife, Molly, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Maegan Smith of Moore, Oklahoma; four great-grandchildren, Addison, Sikes and Reece Jones, and Walker Angi; sister, Pearlene Adams, Vacaville, California; half-brother, Phil Shepardson, of Jackson, Mississippi; Ronnie Ballew, Paula Kay Ballew Hammons, and Chip Ballew, who were like siblings to her; several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends, special friends and helpers, Neil and Sandra Flake.
Jerrie had a rough life in her younger years. She lived in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, at the Arkansas Baptist Home for Children Orphanage until she went into Foster Care. At age 14, being a ward of the state, she was sent to School of the Ozarks, which at that time was a boarding school for grades 9-12.
Jerrie graduated high school in 1957, from School of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, Missouri. After graduation, she moved to Mansfield.
During her high school years, she became part of the Ken and Phyllis Ballew family. She lived with them during holiday breaks, summers, and before she married. Ken, Phyllis, Ronnie, Paula Kay, and Chipper became her family. To her children, they were known as Grammy and Papa, Uncle Ronnie, Aunt Paula Kay, and Chip.
Over the years, she worked at various jobs, but most notable were Tobin Hamilton Shoe Factory and the Mansfield School District. She also helped run the family-owned business, Wingo’s Grocery, for several years.
Jerrie was saved, baptized, and a longtime member of Mansfield First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and loved studying God’s word.
Family was important to her, and she was happiest when they were all together.
Jerrie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and a caring neighbor and friend. We have many special memories of times spent together that we will always cherish.
Contributions may be made to the family through Craig-Hurtt Funeral, 315 N. Main St., Mountain Grove, Missouri, 65711
