Faye Lynnette Jenkins—a beloved wife, mother, and GaGa—passed away on October 28, 2026.

Lynnette was born on February 19, 1951, in Springfield, Missouri, to Fred and Ilene Gott. She and her brother, David, grew up on the family farm on Division Street, where six generations lived over time. She attended Glendale High School and then Southwest Missouri State University, graduating with a degree in early childhood development.

She met her husband of 52 years, John Jenkins, on Valentine’s Day in 1973. In a dramatic twist of family lore, he was the guest of another student at the Home Management House on SMSU campus that evening. She summarized: “I cooked his dinner and the rest is history!” They resided in Sparta, Missouri, where they raised two children: Daniel and Sarah.

Lynnette worked in education as a teacher’s aide at Sparta Elementary and then at Bingham Elementary in the Wonder Years pre-school program. “Mrs. Jenkins” encouraged a love of reading and creativity in her own kids and every student she encountered.

Practically the third Jenkins sibling, a small stuffed bear named Brownie was an out-of-the-blue gift from John to Lynnette in October 1985. He became the family mascot, appearing in photos from family vacations, gatherings, and holidays. Brownie Bear also enjoyed a career in education, showing students how to be a good listener and wearing themed outfits throughout the year. He later became a special guest at doctor visits, always bringing joy and inviting a story.

Lynnette and John enjoyed much of their retirement years spending time with their grandchildren: Waylon, Jolene, Lucy, and Etta. Lynnette loved being “GaGa”, a role she waited patiently for and was undoubtedly meant to fill. She loved her grandkids to the moon and back.

Throughout her life, she loved reading, traveling with her family, attending and volunteering at church, lunch out with her friends, tending to plants, and making crafts of all kinds. Her hand-knitted dishcloths have been given to countless friends and family over the years.

While she faced health challenges in the final years of her life, Lynnette will be remembered for her enthusiasm and laughter, her childlike curiosity (“a preschooler at heart”), her faith and friendships, and her love for her family and creating meaningful memories.

Lynnette is survived by her children, Daniel Jenkins (Lindsey) and Sarah Jenkins (Nate); her husband, John Jenkins; her brother, David Gott and his wife Linda; her four grandchildren: Waylon Jenkins, Jolene Jenkins, Lucy Jenkins, and Etta Jenkins; plus her “grand-kitties,” and beloved extended family and friends.

Her family is grateful to the staff members at Cedarhurst in Springfield who cared for “Miss Faye” for this past year.

Services will be held at Greenlawn North in Springfield, on Wednesday, November 4, with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m., with graveside immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate in Lynnette’s memory to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to share her love of books with more kids. https://imaginationlibrary.com/