TRAVERSE CITY – Lucy Norma Jean Jenks, age 70, of Traverse City, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at Munson Medical Center in the loving care of her family.

Lucy, known to family and friends as Jean, was born in Pathfork, KY on January 18, 1949 to Claude Allan and Verda Ellen (Lee) Calhoun. She was the oldest of 10 siblings in a closely-knit family and grew up in various parts of the United States until she was about 9 years old, when she and her family settled in Michigan.

Jean attended high school in West Bloomfield and later earned her electrical journeyman's license and led one of the only all-female electrical crews in the state. Jean and her husband of 40 years, Gerald Jenks, worked as electricians in the Lake Orion area before making their way up to Traverse City. Jean worked in store management for Rite-Aid in Traverse City for over 20 years. While at Rite-Aid, Jean campaigned a fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network for 10 plus years. She cared deeply about helping others and making a positive difference in the world.

More than anything, family meant the world to Jean. She cherished her time with her children, grandchildren, sisters, and friends. Jean's faith was at the heart of her life; a favorite phrase of hers was, "God's got this." She was an active member of St. Michael Church in Traverse City. She loved the flowers and birds in her backyard, which brought her much joy and happiness. She believed that cardinals, her favorite bird, were the angels of loved ones visiting us.

Jean is survived by her husband, Gerald; children, Vicky Ellen Brown, Leah Allison van Belle, Lyle Randall van Belle, Anette Sue Klein, and Katherine Glasener; her 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and her siblings, Claudette Craig, Donita Laessle, Debbie Bower, Claude Calhoun, Jr., Fayth Calhoun, Seth Calhoun, and Billy Calhoun. She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Jimeson Calhoun, and Joan Tenuta.

A memorial service for Jean will take place at St. Michael Church on Monday January, 13 at 10:00am, with luncheon following at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Miracle Network, an organization which Jean strongly supported and echoes the love she had for children and family.