Donna Jacqueline "Jackie" Jenkins

December 21, 1960 - December 25, 2021

Jenkins, Donna Jacqueline “Jackie” was born in the mountains of Reliance, TN in Polk County on December 21,1960 to Hubert Don “Pig” Jenkins and Patsy Millsaps Jenkins, both of whom predeceased her. In the predawn hours of Christmas morning, 2021, a sweet chariot and a band of angels swung by and carried our precious Jackie home. A woman of strong Christian faith, she gained maturity through her membership and participation in the programs at Keith Memorial United Methodist Church, Athens, TN where she especially enjoyed The Open Door Sunday School Class. Recently, Jackie was about to complete reading through the Bible for the sixth year in a row. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Tennessee Wesleyan University (then TWC) with a degree in accounting in 1982, she achieved her CPA license. Highlights of her successful career include a stint in public accounting with Randolph, Kersey and Arnett; a period in administration with TWC; she joined Flour Daniel Construction, a fortune 500 company, as a senior auditor and lived in Greenville, SC. She then moved on to become the youngest person to have served as Director of Finance for the City of Athens, TN. In 2003 Jackie retired from Modern Supply Co., Knoxville, as Chief Financial Officer. She abided by her belief that giving was to be kept between her and the Giver of all that is good and sought no recognition. In April, 2004, the Athens City City Council bestowed upon her the “VIVID” award for her volunteer service in various executive positions in Habitat For Humanity for the six years prior. Also for her service on the Finance Committee for KMUMC, The United Way Distribution Panel, and as a Board Member for the McMinn Federal Credit Union. Jackie was a member of the 1991 class of Leadership McMinn. All along her quiet way, forging lifelong friendships. Most importantly, Jackie is remembered as a strong-willed woman who lived life on her own terms and was accepted and loved by her “tribe” as she called us and we in turn were secure in her love. Think of the times you spent with Jackie, a special dinner at her table or at yours, a soiree in her courtyard, a fitness or yoga class, a concert, a Lady Vols Basketball Game, or long meaningful conversations by the hearth. May these memories bring you comfort, a smile to your face, and gratitude to your heart that she was in your life for, as you well know, she felt that way about you. Jackie is survived by her longtime companion, LaDonna Keirsey, with whom she made her home in Knoxville. She leaves a much loved, special cousin (brother, she called him), Samuel A. Jenkins, with whom she visited often and talked with weekly. Her two younger sisters, Tammy Jenkins and Teresa Rogers, her four nieces, Lacey Wilcoxon, Sydney Jackson, Leigh Stephens and Alex Rogers, and their families also survive her. As she would say, “Peace be with you.” Arrangements by Rose Funeral and Cremation - Mann. Online condolences may be made at rosefuneraltn.com.