Debora S. Jenks
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Debora S. Jenks, 67, of Overland Park passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, KS. Private graveside services will be held at a later date at Oak Hill in Lawrence.
Debora was born March 7, 1951 in Lawrence, KS the daughter of George F. and Madelyn R. (Ronnie) Jenks.
Debora Jenks graduated from the University of Kansas in the field of education in 1972. For almost 40 years she carefully designed creative lessons that challenged and empowered students to become life long learners. All students were held accountable in her second, third and sixth grade classes at both Dorothy Moody and Rosehill Elementary Schools in the Shawnee Mission District. With humor, high expectations and hours of extra planning, she was a “master teacher” and earned the respect of students, parents, staff and administrators.
Survivors include her sisters, Kathleen J. Kryway & husband Terry, Las Cruces, NM and Diane Jenks, Orange, CA.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to American Heart Association or a charity of your choice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
Debra was my best friend in high school and we were freshman roommates at KU. Later we were together at the Tri Delta house. We lost touch after college but I had the joy of being across the hall from her third grade classroom when I was the speech therapist at Rosehill Elementary for a few years. I’m so very sorry to hear of her passing. She truly was a master teacher and a very loyal and dear friend.
I am saddened and disappointed to learn of Debora’s passing as I was hoping that she might come to our class reunion as I lost track of her years ago. I remember her sense of humor and have no doubt that she made a huge difference in her students lives. I am so sorry for her family and friends.
I am saddened and disappointed to learn of Debora’s passing. I was hoping that she might come to our class reunion as I lost track of her years ago. I remember her sense of humor and have no doubt that she made a huge difference in her students lives. I am so sorry for her family and friends.
So sorry to hear about Debbie. We were college friends and when I hear her name, I can still hear that great laugh of hers. Several of us often wondered lately where she was and what she was doing. So sorry for her family and friends.
I am so heartbroken! I lost touch with Debbie, but saw her about 8 years ago and we exchanged tales of working in the schools. She made a difference, I know. She was such a great friend in HIGH SCHOOL and I know she leaves many students and staff with many great memories.
Debbie was such a wonderful friend, and person. I always thought about her at our reunions. Rest in peace dear Debbie
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Debbie Jenks, a High School classmate who was a friend to all, and went on to inspire thousands of students. Condolences to her family and many friends.
I am also saddened to hear about Debbie. I think everyone who knew her was longing to know how she was, hoping that her life was full of joy and anticipating they might have the privilege of seeing her again. I would love to hear that Debbie finally knew how incredibly beautiful and gifted she was. She always seemed to be so hard on herself. I know she was a very private person. I imagine that Debbie had an amazing ability to understand and reach children through her creative teaching and her unique perspective of life. May her family and friends know that is still loved and admired by so many of us who knew her 50 years ago.
What a vibrant soul. Always a smile. Truly a giver in life. May her reward match her generous spirit. We do not always appreciate what a loss a friend of this caliber is until they are gone. RIP dear one.
Debbie and I became friends many years ago through her sister, Diane. I am so sad that she passed away and certainly far too young. Debbie’s trips to California to see Diane gave us a chance to visit face to face and share a laugh … she had a good laugh! Although we lived far apart, our friendship grew over the years to one of great affection which will be missed and remembered always. My love and condolences to the family.
I was filled with a feeling of great sadness to learn about Debbie’s departure, as I was about her father and mother after their passing. I offer my deepest condolences to Kathleen and Diane. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know and spend time with such wonderful people.
Ms. Jenks was my 6th grade teacher at Dorothy Moody. I loved being in her class and I could tell that she loved us. She was a wind teacher. I’m retiring from a career in education and I can honestly say that I hold the memories of her dear in my heart.