Michael Henry JENKS

Surrounded by his family, Michael Henry Jenks, 63, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, September 21, 2013, after a three year long hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Henry Otis and Willie Mae Jenks, of Seffner, Fla. Michael is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Karen Peyton Jenks; son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Dr. Carolyn Jenks, of Bay Shore, N.Y.; daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Kevin Poindexter, of Lynchburg; and son, Brian Jenks, of Roanoke; "Pawpaw" to Annabella Wheeler; and "Granddaddy" to Natalie, Isaac, and Hannah Jenks, and to soon-to-be born Brayden Thomas Poindexter. Michael is also survived by his sister, Cynthia Jenks Miller; and stepmother, Betty Jenks, both of Seffner, Fla. Also surviving are his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sue and Dennis Garten, of Daleville.
Michael retired from the United States Air Force at the rank of Staff Sergeant after serving 20 years in Malmstrom, Mo., Spangdahlem and Bitburg, Germany, Miami, Fla., and Goldsboro, N.C., working as a dental technician throughout his military career. He also retired from Yokohama Tire Corporation after 22½ years of service.
The family is grateful for the excellent care that Michael received from the physicians and staff at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, of Houston, Texas, Blue Ridge Oncology Center and Brambleton Family Physicians, both of Roanoke. We would also like to thank the caring staff of Gentle Shepherd Hospice and Gentiva Home Health, also of Roanoke,
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Horizon Baptist Church in Michael's memory.
The family will receive friends at Simpson Funeral Home at 5160 Peters Creek Road NW, Roanoke, Tuesday, September 24, 2013, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Pastor Shaun Minnix will conduct a funeral service at Simpson Funeral Home 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2013, with a graveside ceremony to follow at Sherwood Memorial Park at 1250 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153. A fellowship reception and celebration of Michael's life will follow the graveside service at New Horizon Baptist Church at 3640 Colonial Avenue (Roanoke Garden Club), Roanoke, VA 24018.
Friends may send their condolences to the family at www.simpsonfuneral.com . Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory.