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Obituary for Jessie Mae Jenkins
JESSIE MAE JENKINS : May 23, 1925 - September 28, 2019 A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother
As a young bride, having married Robert Jenkins in 1942 and becoming a new mother in 1943, Jessie found herself having to cope with life events alone when living with her parents in Kentucky during WW II while Bob was away at war.
Jessie was born and raised in Brandenburg Kentucky but after the war, the young family settled down in Chrisman where she remained for the rest of her life. She called Pleasant Meadows Senior Living her home the last 4 years of her life where she was surrounded by her Pleasant Meadows family as well as the girls she never had with her private caregiver team: Sandy Creek, Jo Cox, Betty McCosky and Marsha Baker who looked after her. Our appreciation goes out to the PMSL staff and the girls for the excellent care provided.
Never one to sit still; Jessie traveled Europe and the United States from coast to coast to visit her 3 boys wherever they might be stationed or living. After traveling first class on a couple of trips, she postulated that by sitting in the front row she got to her destination faster - which she liked.
To compliment the quiet small town life style Jessie and Bob started kicking their heels up and square dancing which led to a camaraderie with fellow dancers that led to lifelong friendships.
The “Order of the Eastern Star” also became an integral part of her life serving as an officer and lifelong member. The relationships formed during her tenure as an active member endure to this day.
Jessie was a stay-at-home mom raising 3 boys (Robert Jr., Barry, John) until they were grown and on their own. “Alexander’s Sporting Goods” offered her a career in toy sales and accounting. Her passion while working at the store was accumulating a vast “Madame Alexander” doll collection that she displayed and enjoyed throughout her retirement years. Post retirement activity for the lady that did not want to stay home was working for the Chrisman Elementary School System.
Jessie’s parents both had big families. Being an only child enabled Jessie to reach out to her many cousins and her special high school friend with whom she shared the same birth date and kept in touch with them throughout the years. Trips to Kentucky to visit were frequent while she was able to travel.
Jessie is survived by Barry (Andrea) of Charlotte, NC, John (Donna) of Peoria, Az, Crystal (Robert Jr. deceased) of Chrisman, 3 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren.
The loss of her husband and her oldest son before her passing only strengthened her will to enjoy this life even more while she was able. Her spirit lives on in her family. Her strength and joy for living, remembered by those who knew her, kindles a fond recollection of her time with us.
There will be no graveside service. A celebration of life in the near future will be our remembrance of her 94 years on this earth.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Illinois Masonic Outreach Services (IMOS) in memory of Jessie Jenkins. Please make your check payable to IMOS and mail to: Illinois Masonic Outreach Services 2866 Via Verde Springfield, Illinois 62703
