Jennie Jo White

It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the death of Jennie Jo (Jenkins) White, who died on December 30, 2022. Born on December 2, 1943 in Florence, Arizona, she was the first-born of Robert Huyck and Imogene (Henderson) Jenkins.

A loving wife and companion for some 56 years, even though trained as a Chemist she opted to be a Home-Maker and Mother as her calling, turning to teaching only after her children reached their teens.

Jennie Jo enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy and happiness. She was always eager to hear about their latest accomplishments and adventures, and she always had a listening ear and a kind word of advice.

Jennie Jo was a woman of many passions; she had a deep love of music and was an accomplished piano and banjo player. She was also an avid sewer and enjoyed creating beautiful quilts for her loved ones. She was a member of the Square and Round dancing community, taught belly-dancing for years and loved to travel.

In addition to her love for her family, Jennie Jo had a strong passion for education, and dedicated much of her life to teaching and inspiring students. She was also an environmentalist and an active member of Earthwatch, a global environmental organization that supports scientific field research. Jennie Jo believed in the importance of preserving our natural resources and her desire to protect the environment was an inspiration to many and she shared those adventures with her children and grandchildren.

Jennie Jo lived a full and adventurous life, spending time in various places throughout her career and life, including San Diego, California, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was known for her outgoing nature and her ability to make friends wherever she went. She was active in Mensa, AAUW (American Association of University Women), and PPN (Pikes Peak Neighbors).

Jennie Jo was a highly educated and accomplished woman, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and later a Master’s degree with a teaching credential in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

Jennie Jo is survived by her loving husband Wayne White, her children Hants and Caroline White, Florence and John Dougherty, Maude Vance and John Lynn, Clay and Kelli White, Zak White and Elisa Stancil, Daryl and Connie Ayres, Doug and Kay White, and her grandchildren Ten Dougherty and Caitlin Endler, Lenora and Chris Valery, Jammers Vance, Bryan Vance, Shiloh Lynn, Corbin Lynn, Lance White, Elizabeth White, Alexander White, Isabella White, Makenzie Ayres, MIA Ayres, and three great-grandchildren Emi Dougherty, Levi Dougherty, and Kynlee Valery. Jennie Jo is also survived by her brother Guy Jenkins and his wife Patti, and her in-laws Raney White, Jim and Janet White, Roy and Connie White, and Wanda White.

For those who would like to make a donation in her memory to continue her legacy of generosity and kindness, the family suggests Wholly Kicks (www.whollykicks.org), an organization that supports individuals and families experiencing economic disparity. Jennie Jo believed in the importance of giving back to her community and helping those in need.

Jennie Jo will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community members. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She left a lasting impact on those who knew her and was a true light in their lives. A Celebration Of Life will be held in Colorado Springs in July 2023, date and time to be determined, to honor her memory and to give her loved ones and those who knew her the opportunity to say goodbye.

For those planning to attend the Celebration Of Life, please let Wayne know at waynewwhite@live.com so specifics of the memorial can be shared with you.