Joanne R Jenks

Joanne R. Jenks, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister passed away from natural causes at Presbyterian Manor on May 13, 2025 at the age of 93.  She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, William "Bill" Jenks, her parents, Joseph L. Rodgers and Pauline (Brown) Rodgers, her brother, Joseph (Buddy) Rodgers, and her sister, Betty Sherrer.

She is survived by her son, COL Bill Jenks (Debbie) of Chesterfield, VA, her daughters Monica Jenks (Kevin Doyle) of Wilmington, NC, Susan Carroll (Randy) of Olathe, KS and Gina Whitsitt (Darin) of Enid, OK.  She is also survived by her sisters, Flo Graham of Crater Lake, VA and Joyce Haddock of Alexandria, VA.  In addition, she is survived by eight grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Joanne was born in Alexandria, VA in 1931.  She started working when she was 16 years old as a secretary in the Chief of Engineers Office, Washington, DC.  She attended Radford University in Radford, VA on a full scholarship and graduated with a business education degree (Honors) in 1952.  She met and married her husband, Bill in 1952 while he was a student at Virginia Tech University, and she was at Radford University.  She attained a Master of Science degree (business education) from Kansas State Teachers College (Emporia State University) in 1970.

She was a lifelong learner who loved to read.  She loved the water and was happiest near a lake, river or the ocean.  She loved her time living in Central America and was fluent in Spanish.  Joanne taught business, accounting and English at Harford High School and Olpe High School and business at the Flint Hills Area Technical School.  She worked as a legal assistant at several local law offices and as an accountant at Columbia Savings.  One of her favorite jobs was serving the state as an auditor for the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services and she retired as the treasurer of the Emporia State University Foundation.

She was a member of the Congregational Church, and the Emporia Public Library was one of her favorite places.  A private family service and burial will be held later.  Contributions in lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the Presbyterian Manor, 2300 Industrial Rd.  Emporia, KS, 66801.

Cremation is planned, and Roberts-Blue-Barnett is assisting the family with arrangements.