WINSTON-SALEM- Irene Hall Jenkins, 94, formerly of Magnolia St., Winston-Salem, passed away Aug. 18, after an extended fight with leukemia. 

She was the youngest child of a large, loving family that lived on Siloam Road in Yadkin County.

Her children are Margaret Jenkins (Scotty Easter) and Charles Jenkins (Susan Nash). 

Her former husband is the late Brad Jenkins.

Irene always was a teacher. 

Her first classroom was the pantry of her mama's kitchen, where she used a biscuit pan as a blackboard. 

Later she was valedictorian at East Bend High School, and graduated from Appalachian State Teachers' College with a two-year teaching degree. 

At 19, she taught her first "real" students in a two-room schoolhouse. 

During the summers, she commuted to Catawba College to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree.

For 42 years, she taught mostly second grade, and then enjoyed 32 years of retirement. 

Highlights included worship at Ardmore Baptist Church and lots of travel, including a trip to London, England with her daughter and son.

She was devoted to Duke men's basketball, even listening to their untelevised games on the radio. 

In 1986, at an NCAA tournament game, she was photographed with the Duke Blue Devil mascot, greatly embarrassing her son, who was with her at the Greensboro Coliseum.

During her fight with leukemia, her children learned that Irene's blood type was B positive. 

That is exactly the kind of person she was.

Her children thank Brookridge Healthcare Center, particularly Eugene Byrom.  

Special appreciation goes to Heidi Klepin, M.D., hematologist/oncologist.

Visitation will be at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home on Silas Creek Parkway, Aug. 20 from 6 - 8 p.m. 

Her funeral service will be on Aug. 21, at 10 a.m. at Ardmore Baptist Church in the Brown Auditorium on Irving St. 

Burial will follow at Friendship Baptist Church on Siloam Road.

Please consider Irene's wishes: two standing wreaths of red roses will be provided by her children, with their greatest love. 

Otherwise, no flowers. 

Instead, memorials to the Baptist Children's Home Fund at Ardmore Baptist Church (www.ardmorebaptist.org) are encouraged.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.