Jean Jenkins Parnell

Mother was born in Alliance, Ohio July 3, 1927, to Clayton Yandle and Kathleen Yandle. She was the last of four children. Her father lost his job in the Depression and they returned to Stouts in Union County to farm a small piece of land his father gave them. Mother grew up around Stouts and Indian Trail. She graduated from Indian Trail HS in 1944. She dreamed of college and nursing school, but as her father had basically left them during and after the War, she had to care for her mother.

She married our father, Jesse Jenkins, in 1947 and was married for 38 years until his passing in 1985. She married James R Parnell in 1993, and was married 26 years until his passing on their anniversary in 2019.

Mother worked at Esso in her early years before we children came along. She was a homemaker until my sister and I were in high school. She then began to work in the office of Independence HS. I suspect to keep a closer eye on us.

After our father’s passing, she obtained her Real Estate license and worked for the Allen Tate Company. After retiring, she enjoyed years of travel with Jim.

Mother passed away peacefully after years of dementia on September 10, 2023. She loved the Lord, her family, fried chicken, bread and coffee.

She was predeceased by her parents, all siblings and both husbands. She is survived by her son, Len Jenkins (Ann), Kay Brown (Gary deceased), Charles R. Parnell (Lynn), James A. Parnell (Mary); seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte, on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 12:00 noon. Friends and family are welcome.