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Marcella Jenkins Obituary
August 30, 1949 August 30, 2021
... A love which is not simply a recollection of a bygone past but a living force which sustains us in the present. - Henri Nouwen
Loving and missing you always! Greg, Marcus, and Liz
Jenkins, Marcella Ann (Fallon)
Marcella Ann Jenkins passed away peacefully on Monday August 30, 2021 in Santa Barbara, CA. She was born in Redfield, South Dakota on August 30, 1949 to Genevieve and Edward Fallon.
Marcy attended grade school at St Mary's Catholic Boarding School in Zell, S.D. and high school in Redfield S.D. In 1968, Marcy completed college at Dakota State and earned a degree in physical education. During her college career, Marcy also competed in the Miss South Dakota state pageant and was selected as Miss Congeniality. After graduation, Marcy moved on to become a high school teacher in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Two years later in 1970, Marcy pursued the Peace Corps and was sent to help the needy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. While there, she instructed kids in reading, writing, and swimming. Early in life, Marcy was recognized as an excellent swimmer and certified lifeguard.
In 1980, Marcy married Gregory Jenkins, who was an officer in the United States Air Force. They were married for 41 years and raised two children, Marcus and Elizabeth. Marcy and Greg loved traveling and working at different Air Force bases throughout the U.S. They spent 30 years working and living in Lompoc, CA. During this time, Marcy was a fourth grade teacher at Fillmore Elementary School in Lompoc. Marcy had a bright presence and quickly made friends wherever they ventured. She was fortunate to retain many of those friendships throughout her life.
Marcy will be remembered for many things: she strongly believed in supporting family and friends, was socially active and volunteered to help many people & groups in the area, and loved animals and would always ensure that they were properly cared for. Above all, Marcy will be remembered for her extreme compassion for life, her devotion to family, and the love she shared with others.
Marcy is survived by her husband Greg, son Marcus, daughter Elizabeth, 4 grandchildren Malia, Myles, Madelyn, Tremaine, her sister Ramona, four brothers Denny, Greg, Brian, Pat, and many nieces and nephews.
Her family wishes to acknowledge the care she received from Villa Alamar Memory Care, VNA Health, and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Donations in her honor can be made to Alzheimer's Association or Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marcella Jenkins
Victoria Ashley Serrano
May 22, 2025
I am very sorry that her family is going through this I lost my brother a year later we knew her she always told my mom she wish she had 20 more of me I will always remember her I wish I knew sooner so I could have paid my last respects to her she was a very kind woman and she helped me out in school so much I thank her for that she is dearly missed
Nick Sehgal
September 2, 2023
She was a great lady. We will always miss her.
Nick Sehgal
Faith Stratton
September 19, 2021
Marcella and I were cheerleaders together at DSU 50 years ago. People always mistook one for the other. I can't think of anyone I would want to be mistaken for. She had such a magnetic personality. RIP, Dear Friend...keep cheering!
Mary Campbell
September 18, 2021
Cel or Cella (which we called her in college) was one-of-a-kind!!! There was never a dull moment when she was around. This morning my college roommate called and gave me the sad news. I am heartbroken as I’m sure all of you are too. Cel and I were cheerleaders at Dakota State College in
Madison, South Dakota and we spent a lot of time together. She always had a bright smile and was the funniest person I ever knew. After she graduated I don’t remember ever seeing her again. Our lives were going in different directions.
Cella liked to prank on people and we did get into a bit of mischief!! All good. Over the years I have thought a lot about her, wondering where she was and what she was doing. It always brought a smile to my face. As I read her life story, I thought about what a great woman she was and how many lives she touched. My deepest sympathy to all of you. May you find comfort in the Promise that someday we will be together with our loved ones.
Blessings~
Mary F. Bunkers Campbell
Mary Campbell
September 18, 2021
September 18, 2021
Cel or Cella (which is what we called her in college) was one of a kind!! My roommate from college called me this morning and told me about Cella’s passing. I am heartbroken as I’m sure all of you are. Cel and I were cheerleaders in college - Dakota State in Madison, South Dakota. She was a year older but we spent 3 yrs together cheering for football and basketball games. We spent a lot of time together and had a ton of fun. She was the funniest girl I’ve ever known. She liked to prank on people and together we got into a lot of mischief!!!
After Cella graduated I don’t remember ever seeing her again. I guess our lives went in different directions. Over the years I have thought about her so often, wondering where she was and what she was doing. After reading her life story, I felt comforted knowing that she had a full life with husband, children, grandchildren and many many friends who loved her.
I feel blessed to have known her and my wish for all of her family and friends is the promise that we will one day all be together again.
Blessings~
Mary F. Bunkers Campbell
T. Gainer
September 14, 2021
The first time I met Marcy was in Panama City, Florida at our family reunion, she was smiling and friendly. She was nice and will be missed.
Susan Jankord
September 10, 2021
Marcella was always ready with a smile and funny comment.
Adriana Sanchez
September 10, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Marcy’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing her from Fillmore Elementary and remember that bright smile and quick wit! I hope that your memories give you comfort during this difficult time.
Patrick Fallon
September 10, 2021
From the days we grew up together on the small family farm in Hand County, through boarding at St. Mary's Catholic Boarding school in Zell, high school in Redfield to keeping in touch through these many years since, Marcella has been a joy to live and share life with. She was a loving and caring sister, an incredible spouse to Greg, an unbelievably loving and caring mother, and a person anyone who met her, immediately found to be someone they enjoy being close to. She leaves an incredible void in our hearts, but we pray she is in a better place now. She will be greatly missed for a long time to come, as now she already is.
Laura Barry
September 10, 2021
So sorry to hear about the loss of Marcella. As a younger cousin, I remember her broad and beautiful smile, infectious laughter and kindness.
Love and prayers, Laura Barry (Jankord)
Melinda Jankord-Steedman
September 8, 2021
Marcella was my cousin. We grew up in South Dakota, one of a large tribe of cousins who gathered often as our families kept close. Later I moved to Seattle and, for awhile, Cella or Marcy as she grew older, lived out here, too. She had a glow about her that radiated to all. And she had the very best sense of humor -- I've never known anyone who could keep me in stitches till I cried! We stayed in touch over the years, she and Greg visiting Seattle and my husband and me visiting them in California.
Marcella Ann, I miss you. You were taken too soon, but our memories of you, your devotion and, indeed, your antics will sustain us. Your children and grandchildren are your legacy. May they know that you loved them with all your heart. Melinda
Armando Zambrano
September 8, 2021
I met Marcy at La Purisima School, where we both taught, and became friends, almost 30 years ago. My wife, Jean, and Marcy were also friends and constant companions, going to epic dinners and infamous birthday parties, where the wine flowed. I knew Marcy to be funny, always a bright smile on her face, welcoming, loving, and one of the kindest persons I've ever met. I will always remember her,and how she never let a photo-op go to waste. I am going to miss her.
Nick C Sehgal
September 8, 2021
Marcy was a very loving person. She helped me a lot when my wife was in the hospital. I am very sorry to hear that she left us at an early age. I extend my condolences to Greg, Marcus and Elizabeth. May God help all of us to get over such a big loss.
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