On the 23rd of September 2018, Juanita Jenkins, age of 95 went home to be with our Lord. She was born in Jones County and lived her adult life in Abilene, Texas with the exception of three years she and her husband Melvin (Heavy) lived in California during WWII. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend.
Juanita was a devoted Christian, prayer warrior, and a woman with enough faith to move mountains. She was an active member of University Baptist Church for more than 60 years. She taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, served on several committees and shared her faith in the Lord daily. She visited the sick and home bound delivering home cooked meals, baked goods and prayers of encouragement. Juanita became a member of Wylie Baptist Church in 1997 and was a member there until her death. She said many times “I just love my new church family”.
When her two youngest children were in middle school Juanita attended Commercial College Business School. After completing her studies in 1967 she found a new career within the AISD. She worked in several departments throughout her years at AISD, however, the time she spent working in the library was the highlight of her career. We were never sure if it was the books, the kids or the people she worked with that gave her so much joy and pleasure.
Not long after, Juanita retired from AISD in 1987. She began volunteering at the Grace Museum. She loved sharing the beauty of the museum and the special exhibits with the visitors. Not long after her 80th birthday the volunteer coordinator hired her to be the weekend receptionist. Juanita was excited to have the new experience and she marveled that she was getting paid for the new position. She said, “Just like a real job and at my age!”
Juanita’s faith was an example to her children and anyone who knew her. Our mother shared her faith and taught us more by example than words. Our hearts are at peace knowing she is with her loving heavenly Father.
Juanita is survived by one brother, Glean Morgan of Comanche, TX; three children, Karan (Alec) Nicholls, Steve (Linda) Jenkins, and Shirley Williams; eight grandchildren, Sandra (Craig) Schaub, Garnet (Misty) Blaney, Jennifer (Matt) Brawley, Laura Williams, Leslie (Jason) Derr, Bradley Sikes, Abby Faulkner, and Ginna Faulkner; nine great grandchildren, Jacob and Kaitlin Garnett, Christopher and Kendra Blaney, Benjamin Garza, Samuel Blaney, Mason Brawley, Mikey and Drew Derr; and one great-great grandson Kingsley Threadwell; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin (Heavy) Jenkins; son-in-law, Jim Williams; grandson, William Blaney; and three brothers, John Morgan, Earl (Woody) Morgan and Allen (Pete) Morgan.
The family would like to thank Kinder Hearts Home Health and Hospice and the staff of Northern Oaks that cared for and loved our mother.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 27, 2018, 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Hwy 277 South in Abilene. Funeral services will be held at Wylie Baptist Church, 6097 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, Texas at 10:00 AM Friday September 28th with graveside rites at Rose Hill Cemetery, Merkel, Texas. Darrin Ray will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Kinder Hearts Home Health and Hospice Care.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18