Published on September 5, 2025 4:17 pm
Last Updated on September 5, 2025 4:17 pm
Melody L. Jenkins, 55, of Lakewood, IL, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, September 12, 2025 at Fairview Community Church, St. Elmo with Rev. Dave Arnold officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Fairview Cemetery, St. Elmo. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 AM Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Fairview Cemetery, the American Liver Foundation, or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Melody Louise Brown was born on July 3, 1970 in Vandalia, IL, the daughter of Olof and Jean (Bollinger) Brown. She married James Jerome Jenkins on April 26, 1999. Together, they had one son and celebrated 26 years of marriage. Melody dedicated her career to human services, providing direct support to individuals, families, and communities. Most recently, she was employed by Heartland Human Services in Effingham, IL. Over the years, she worked at various places, including Lakeland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, ARC, and Altamont High School. Helping others was always Melody’s top priority, whether it was family, friends, clients she served, or even total strangers. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping, loved her dog Charlie, and cherished time spent with family and friends.
She will forever be remembered by her husband, James “Jim” Jenkins of Lakewood; son, Joseph Jenkins of Lakewood; brother, Rick Brown and wife Connie of Farina; sisters, Barbara Durbin of St. Elmo, Nancy and husband Charlie Durbin of St. Elmo, Brenda and husband Steve Stielow of Dubuque, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Mrs. Jenkins was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Gary Brown and Robert Brown.