Jeanice C. Felkins

She was preceded in death by her parents, Minton and Adine Cooper, her brothers, M.B. Cooper and Leon Cooper, her husband Lloyd Gerald (Jerry) Felkins, and her daughter, Robin Patrice Felkins Zakes. She is survived by her son, Bruce Gerritt Felkins, his wife Mary and their children, Anthony, Alexandra, Jonathan, and Caroline Felkins, and her grandson, T.J. Zakes.

Jeanice was born in Pelahatchi, Mississippi during the Great Depression and learned self-reliance at an early age. Anyone privileged to have spent time with her likely heard some detailed and animated stories about her childhood in rural Mississippi and, later, Jackson. Influenced by her mother, she learned to help others in need, often feeding meals to men hopping the railway and preserving fruits and vegetables to give to those who might need “a little joy.” Because of challenges throughout childhood, she developed a driven personality which helped her push through school, family, and relationships with success. In 1954, she graduated from Jackson’s Central High School and considered pursuing theater as a profession. But practicality won out—as it often did throughout her life—and she chose to study the sciences. She graduated from Auburn with a biochemistry degree and worked in New York City, Houston, and, after marrying Jerry, San Diego where she programmed telemetry for military satellites. After she became a mother of two children, she directed her energy toward the needs of her family and attended classes in interior design, cooking, and sewing at the University of Houston.

Jeanice loved to meet new people and experience different cultures, visiting over thirty-five countries in her lifetime. She loved the art and science of cooking and had a unique ability to mimic a dish after tasting it once. She was socially active, hosting gatherings at her home for numerous clubs and organizations. Jeanice never left anything to chance. She had planning down to a science. Her attention to detail will be missed by all who benefitted from her relentless pursuit of quality and perfection.

Happy trails to you until we meet again. Who cares about the clouds when we're together? Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather. Happy trails to you until we meet again.