Wanda Jeanne Jenkins, 91, of Bellmont, Illinois, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Wabash General Hospital, in Mount Carmel, Illinois, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on June 16, 1931, the daughter of Reverend Benjamin Harrison and Edith Belle (Vaughan) Cravens. She married Arvey Jenkins, Jr. on August 2, 1947, and together they enjoyed fifty-nine years of marriage, centered around their faith and family.
Jeanne lived most of her life in Bellmont, Illinois. She and Arvey were blessed with four children, Rick, Jeanette, Mark, and Bradley. Jeanne was a devoted wife, mother, and a woman of great faith. She was a long-time member of the Bellmont United Methodist Church where she enjoyed playing the piano and organ for Sunday services until she was 89 years old. Jeanne worked for Snap-On Tools for thirty-seven years, retiring in 1993. In addition to her work, she made time to be a caring wife, mother and homemaker who enjoyed spending time with her family. Jeanne was a sports enthusiast. While her children attended school, she enjoyed watching them participate in sports. During her later years, she followed professional, college and local high school sports. Jeanne’s presence will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Jeanne leaves behind her children, Rick Jenkins of Austin, TX, Jeanette Girten and husband David of Mount Carmel, Mark Jenkins and wife, Pam of Turtle Lake, WI, and Bradley Jenkins of Mount Carmel; three grandchildren, Jill N. Winter and fiancé Kyle Peach, Megan Jenkins, Matthew Jenkins and wife, Ariel, and one great-grandchild, Croix Jenkins.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Edith Cravens; husband, Arvey Jenkins, Jr.; grandson, Colby F. Jenkins; two granddaughters, Laura B. and Lindsay J. Winter; two brothers, Lloyd and Elmer Cravens; three sisters, Kathryn Pflaum, Juanita Plummer and Josephine Rose.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2022, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2022, In the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor Vaughn Courter officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Jeanne’s memory to Bellmont United Methodist Church or Wabash County Animal Shelter Buddies. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry St., Mt. Carmel, IL 62863
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Wanda’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Jenkins family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
