Barbara Joan Jenkins

Barbara Joan Jenkins of Odessa, Texas was 92 years young when she triumphantly entered Heaven on September 6, 2023. She was born to Bernice and Grady Smith on August 18, 1931, in Royse City, Texas. Joan attended Royse City High School and North Texas State University.

Joan met and fell in love with Jimmy Russell, in 1951. He promptly renamed her Jody after his beloved grandmother. They married in 1952 while Jimmy was attending dental school. Their daughter Lee, was born in 1955, and their son, Earl, was born in 1957. Jimmy died in 1962 from a cerebral aneurysm at the age of 35.

In 1963, Jody married Rene’ Jenkins and their daughter Carol was born in 1964. In 1977, Jody and Rene’ formed Rene’ Jenkins and Associates. Jody sold wholesale furniture from their showroom at the World Trade Center in Dallas. She was a fantastic saleswoman who thrived at working with retailers as well as commercial and residential designers. Jody and Rene’ attended St. Luke Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, where they became followers of Christ and their life was never the same. They later joined James Avenue Baptist Church and continued to grow in their faith and serve the Lord. Many lifelong friends were made at both churches. Rene’ died in 1994 at the age of 70.

Jody moved to Odessa, Texas in 2004 to be near Carol and her family. She met Larry Kerr on a blind date and they quickly fell in love. They married in San Diego, California. Jody and Larry attended both First Baptist Church Odessa and First Methodist Church Odessa.

Jody was lovingly called Pres by her children and grandchildren, whom she greatly loved. She could light up a room with her smile, elegance, and sense of humor. Even in her later years, Jody never lost her sense of style or beauty. She loved to sing, and spread joy everywhere she went. Jody lived a life of love and laughter and left a legacy of faith.

Jody was preceded in death by her parents, Bernice and Grady Smith, baby sister, step mother Mildred Smith, brothers;Eric Don Smith, and Gary Smith and husbands; Dr. James C. Russell and Rene’ Jenkins.

She is survived by her husband Larry Kerr, children; Lee Epperson and husband Ray of Dallas Georgia, Charles Earl Russell Jenkins, Carol Fisher and husband Travis of Odessa Texas. Brother; Grady Patton Smith, sisters; Paulette Newman and Runette Benbrook. Grandchildren; Ashley Epperson Brown and husband Tommy, Tyrrell Epperson and fiancé Masha Koksharova, Jefferey Jenkins and wife Jessica, Landry Fisher, and Colin Fisher. Great grandchildren; Jaxon Jenkins, Jhett Jenkins, and Stetson Fisher. As well as many other extended family members and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to the American Cancer Society.

A memorial service will occur Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at 7100 CROWLEY RD, FORT WORTH, TX 76134.