Donna B Jenkinson

She was born in Carlisle, PA, on July 20th, 1936, the only child of the late James and Bertha Boyd. Donna was a 1954 graduate of Carlisle High School and a 1958 graduate of IUP (formerly Indiana State Teachers College). During her time in college, she was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority. She deeply loved her friends, her church, and her family.

She leaves behind her son, James Jenkinson, and his wife, Lizabeth Jenkinson; her daughter Julie Gravuer and her husband Christopher Gravuer; grandchildren Emily Jenkinson, Jamie Kenny (Tom Kenny), Kiersten Gravuer, and Chase Gravuer; great-grandchildren, Chloe and Annie Kenny, and Callie Buscher; and her very dear friend, Grover Friend. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Jenkinson.

Donna was a woman whose life was defined by love, faith, and family. She was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling. She also delighted in the simple pleasures of life—especially playing cards with friends and family, where laughter, friendly competition, and cherished memories were always close at hand.

For more than 30 years, she devoted her life to teaching young children. She began teaching in Carlisle, PA, and later taught overseas in Japan and Germany. After returning to the states, she taught in the Neshaminy School District and eventually ended up at Emilie United Methodist Day School, where she retired in 2001. As a beloved teacher, she shaped countless lives with patience, encouragement, and genuine care.

Throughout her life, Ocean City, NJ, held a special place in her heart. Whether enjoying the sea air, laughter with family and friends, shopping Downtown, or enjoying a good bowl of clam chowder, it was a place where she felt at peace and fully herself. These moments by the ocean reflected her appreciation for life’s beauty and her ability to find joy in both adventure and stillness.

Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. Deeply devoted to her church, Emilie United Methodist Church, for over 50 years, she lived her beliefs through kindness and compassion. Her faith shaped how she loved and how she gave, offering comfort and strength to all who knew her.

Above all else, she treasured her family. Nothing brought her greater happiness than time spent together, and she took immense pride in each of them. Her grandchildren were the true joy of her life—she adored them completely, celebrating their milestones, cheering them on, and surrounding them with unconditional love.

She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, devotion, and enduring love. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, in shared stories and traditions, and in the countless lives she touched simply by being herself.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Emile United Methodist Church, 7300 New Falls Road, Levittown, PA 19055 (Parking in the rear of the church). The funeral service will take place at 3:00 pm.

Interment will be in Carlisle, PA where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband and parents. It will be a private service at the request of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Emilie United Methodist Church at the address previously mentioned or at https://emilieumc.com/give/