Jennie Kate Munson Ankenman, a wonderful and graceful representative of the Greatest Generation, passed from this life into the life of perfect service in God’s heavenly kingdom on Monday, the 17th of September 2018.
She was born on the 12th October 1920, a sixth generation Texan and a direct descendant of one of Texas’ original pioneer families. Jennie Kate grew up in Angleton, Texas surrounded by family members made up of judges, ranchers, and attorneys. She attended Texas State College for Women, where she studied music.
For most of her adult life Jennie Kate lived in Houston, Texas. She was a beautiful, caring mother and wife who cherished family above all else. Her generous spirit nurtured her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, all of whom will miss her dearly.
She was a lifelong member of the Methodist church, and especially active as a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. She was one of the original members of St. Luke’s when services were still held in the auditorium of Lamar High School.
Jennie Kate loved her volunteer work, serving extensively at St. Luke’s and also at Park Plaza Hospital. She was also active in other organizations such as the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the Junior League of Houston, the Houston Club, the Petroleum Club, and the River Oaks Country Club.
Jennie Kate was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Waddy Munson and Myrtle Bryan Munson; by her brother, Bryan Munson, an honored Marine who died in the tragic sinking of the USS Indianapolis in 1945; by her infant daughter Linda; by her infant granddaughter and namesake Jennie Kate Iglehart; by several long-lived, lovely, and spirited aunts; by first cousin Thomas Rankin, Jr.; by her first husband and father of her children, Sam Leal; by her son, Jerry Leal, who served his country in the U.S. Air Force ; and by her husband, Wayne D. Ankenman, Sr., with whom she shared the happiest years of her life.
She is survived by her loving children: Camille Iglehart and her husband John, Carolyn Leal Ankenman, Maurie A. Cannon and her husband Philip, and W. Douglas Ankenman, Jr. and his wife Claire.
She is further survived by her granddaughter Carrie Chaplan (husband Scott) and great granddaughter Katie Chaplan; granddaughter Christy Carruba (husband Steven) and great granddaughter Claire Carruba; granddaughter Camille Leal Weier (husband Bryan) and great grandchildren Andrea, Casey, Chelby, and Emmalee; grandson Sam Leal (wife Rhonda) and great grandchildren Madison, Logan, Kyle, and Jared, and great great grandsons Cooper and Chase.
In addition Jennie Kate is survived by her grandson Philip Cannon, Jr. (wife Eleanor) and great grandsons Brock and Peter Cannon; by granddaughter Sarah Cannon Underwood (husband Duncan) and great-grandson and granddaughter, Austin and Riley Underwood; by granddaughter Katy Ankenman (partner Rachel); and by grandson Douglas Ankenman, III. (wife Caroline).
Jennie Kate is also survived by loving cousins Beverly Mahoney, Harriet Cochran, Marie Blaine, Sharon Rankin and Damon Wells.
She is further survived by several dear friends whom she considered family. Pinky Wilson, Dr. Khaled Jabboury, Greg Giacona, Susana Perez and Gus Paige brought her so much joy in different ways through the years.
A memorial service to celebrate Jennie Kate’s life is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 22nd of September, in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston, where Dr. Linda Christians, Executive Pastor, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Hines Baker Room.
Prior to the memorial service the family will have gathered for a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, for those who desire to remember Jennie Kate, memorial donations may be made to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77027, Houston Area Parkinson Society, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Suite 296, 77098.
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