Jeanette "Jan" Kinzel Walker

Walker, Jeanette “Jan” Kinzel – age 69, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Saturday, September 18, 2021, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Jan was a life-long educator spending over 35 years with Knox County Schools, and most recently, the Sequoyah Foundation. She had a tremendous impact on thousands of children’s lives over the years. Her patience, teaching style, and passion for helping children was contagious and served as a model for new teachers that she mentored over the years. Jan absolutely LOVED spending time with her friends. Whether it was lifelong friends from high school, tennis friends, coworkers or neighbors, Jan cherished spending time with them – especially happy hour. Anyone that knew Jan knows that she loved to have a glass of wine with her friends and catch up on the latest happenings around town. Her smile, personality, and laughter made her an absolute joy to be around. Jan was also an avid tennis player, loved to read, travel, and was a great cook (even though she claimed she wasn’t) – but most importantly, Jan loved her boys (Jack included). She was an incredible mother to Chris and John and raising them was her greatest accomplishment. Her unconditional love, smile, sweet nature, patience, and willingness to help will be remembered the most by her boys. She will definitely be missed. Jan was preceded in death by her parents, William and Callie Kinzel. She is survived by her husband, John Samuel “Jack” Walker; sons, William Christopher “Chris” Walker (Sarah), John Thomas Walker (Blake Holt); sister-in-law, Emily Ann Norris (Rick); nephew, Craig Norris; half-sister, Sylvia Martin; cousins, William Joyner (Charlotte), Barry Joiner (Jane), John Trent (Eileen); pets, Katie and Lucy; grandpets, Lilly, Rooster, and Charley. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Rose Funeral and Cremation – Mann. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.

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Jeanette "Jan" Kinzel Walker

February 7, 1952 - September 18, 2021