Elsie Jenkins

Elsie Jenkins, 100, was born Elsie Anita Parrish on Oct. 1, 1907, in Halls, Tenn. She went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Dec. 27, 2007, at Bethany Graceworks retirement home in Dayton, Ohio. At the time of her death she was surrounded by her son, Tom, daughter-in-law Marcia, and granddaughters Melissa Isham and Michelle Boyd.

Jenkins was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Paul "Jenks" (1980); son Paul Parrish Jenkins "Sonny" (1985); and her sister and brother-in-law, Thelma and Horace Thacker.

She is survived by her son, Tom, daughter-in-law Marcia; granddaughters Melissa Isham and Michelle Boyd; great-grandchildren Brandon, Taylor and Aidan, all of Dayton, Ohio; and daughter-in-law, Virginia Jenkins (Sonny) of Florissant, Mo.; niece Lou Thacker (Calif.); and nephews Jack Thacker and Jerry Thacker and their families (St. Louis).

Jenkins grew up in Southeast Missouri, mostly in Cape Girardeau, where she attended Southeast Missouri State College (now University). She was on the basketball team and active in the Clio sorority. Jenkins and her husband were both educators. "Jenks" was the principal of Central High School in Cape Girardeau. He had also been a guidance counselor. Elsie was a fourth-grade teacher.

In 1958 they moved to Ferguson, Mo., to be close to Sonny and Virginia. Jenkins taught school for 25 years and retired from teaching at Twillman School in 1973. Elsie and Jenks were members of the First Baptist Church of Ferguson.

In November 1997, Jenkins moved to Dayton to be with her son, Tom, and his family. She resided in an apartment in the Homestead at Bethany Graceworks. She attended Far Hills Baptist Church, was active in almost all of the activities offered at Bethany and kept very busy playing Rummy Kub, going to exercise class and participating in Bible study at the Homestead. Jenkins became a golf enthusiast when Tiger Woods came on the scene and enjoyed watching ice skating on TN as well.

Jenkins was a remarkable woman who not only had a heart for the Lord, but for everyone she came in contact with. She will be truly missed.

A memorial service at Bethany Graceworks will be held in February 2008 in celebration of her life. Interment will be in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be made in Elsie's name to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are in care of Tobias Funeral Home-Far Hills Chapel.

Online condolences may be viewed at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.