Jerlene Buckels

Jerlene (Jerrye) Jenkins Buckels, 90, of Knoxville, TN died on October 16, 2025 with her children by her side.
Born on August 12, 1935 in Neshoba County, MS, to Ossie and Virgil Jenkins, Jerrye grew up in a farming family with eight brothers and two sisters. She graduated from Freeney High School and attended Mississippi College. While living in Baton Rouge, LA she married Luther Buckels of Baton Rouge in 1957. Together, they raised their three children, Rhonda, Marcia, and Scott in Baton Rouge, Huntsville, AL, and Gautier, MS. Jerrye lived in Ocala, FL for several years prior to moving to Knoxville, TN in 2004.
For many years, Jerrye worked as an administrative professional in a variety of fields including real estate and a Baptist association. In her later career, she worked as a self-employed marketer of clothing and health and beauty supplies.
For most of her life, she was an active member in her local Baptist churches. As an empty-nester, she discovered a love of ballroom dancing and dancing competitions.
She is survived by her daughter Rhonda Buckels, son Scott Buckels, daughter-in-law Lori Buckels, grandsons Jake Buckels (Ginny Herbert) and Lucas Buckels (Emily Netburn), sister Jane, many nieces and nephews and long-time friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Luther Buckels and daughter Marcia Buckels.
A graveside service in Gautier, MS will be planned for sometime early in 2026. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerlene Buckels, please visit our floral store.