Mrs. Imogene Jenkins Yancey

Mrs. Imogene Jenkins Yancey, age 87, of Gaylesville, AL, entered her eternal home on August 27, 2018.

She was born in Etowah County, Alabama on June 9, 1931, daughter of the late Kate Todd and Walter Jenkins.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Carl Yancey; brothers, J. W. Jenkins and Houston Jenkins; sisters, Nettie Jolly, Wilma Bolton, Bonnie Hall, and Gnilma Ann Kerley.  Imogene loved and adored her parents and her siblings.  In her eyes, “they did no wrong.”

Upon her marriage to Carl, Imogene moved to the Johnson/Yancey farm in Gaylesville and lived there the remainder of her life.  She was surrounded by the flowers and fields that she loved so much.  She spent many hours in the hot sun “tending to” her flowers, and their beauty was a reflection of the care she gave to them.  Any spring or summer visit prompted a “come out here and let me show you my flowers.”  Imogene attended Mill Creek Baptist Church until her health prohibited her from being at Sunday morning “preaching.”

She is survived by her daughter, Kay Yancey Chumbler; son-in-law, Rickey Chumbler, however she would tell you that he was her son.  When Rickey lost his mother at a young age, Imogene stepped in and assumed the role.  She is also survived by her two grandsons, Jon and Steve Chumbler who she so dearly loved and cherished.  When Jon was born, her world turned upside down and he became her main focus.  Upon Steve’s arrival, it was joy times two, and her focus split evenly between the two of them; and that focus never faltered.  Her joy increased when Steve brought his wife Lauren into the family.  “Finally a girl around here,” she said.  She also leaves behind her sister, Jewel Smith of Gadsden, many nieces, nephews, and their children and grandchildren.  Her nephew Steve Ball was her chosen son and she recently told him she was going to trade Kay for him.  Having chosen part of Steve’s name at his birth, she believed he was partly her child.  Kay carried it forward upon naming her son Steve.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory other “family” members, Jo and Billy Carmon, Leah and Josh Bates, Chris Carmon, Brenda and Jamie Henderson, and Willis Elrod who she loved like a younger brother; he was always there for her.  Her dear cousins, Johnny and Gene Todd, and her “chosen sister” Leona Shaw.  Nieces Debbie Vernon, Reba Ray, Teresa Hayes, and Glenda Phillips; special friends, Betty Burk, Betty Hanks, and Linda Bullard who ALWAYS made certain Imogene’s hair looked good.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to AlaCare; especially nurse Page, Miranda and Chaplain Damon; to the wonderful staff at The Memory Care Unit of Cherokee County Health and Rehab; Jennifer, Qwennie and the gang, and all who provided wonderful love and care.  They are angels on earth.

Per Imogene’s wishes, a graveside committal service will be held Sunday, September 2, 2018, at 3:00 P.M. (E.S.T.) at Weiss Lake Memory Gardens in Gaylesville, AL.  Active pallbearers will be nephews, Steve Ball, Wayne Ball, Tim Ball, Ricky Smith, Johnny Bolton, Houston Jenkins, Jr., Marshall Kerley, Joey Phillips, Ray Hayes, Billy Carmon, Chris Carmon, and Josh Bates.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jamie Henderson and Lamar “Pap” VanPelt.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Floyd/Cherokee Hospital E.R. Renovation Project in Centre, AL, in care of Floyd Healthcare Foundation, 400 Turner McCall Boulevard, Suite 102, Rome, GA 30165 or Claws for Paws Animal Rescue, 175 Shoals Ferry Road, Rome, GA 30161.

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