Billie Jean Jenkins

Billie Jean Jenkins, 77, went to heaven on Monday, December 14, 2015. A memorial service celebrating her life will take place on 10:00 am, Friday, December 18 at the Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor John A. Burke officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Billie Jean Jenkins was born on July 10, 1938 to Claud and Margaret Lynch in Wilburton, OK. Billie moved to Carlsbad in November 1945 with her parents, sister and brothers. Billie had a wonderful childhood where all the children learned how to work early in life so they could make their own money. Shortly after graduating from Carlsbad High School she met Randall Jenkins and they married on October 18, 1956. Together they had three children: Randall "Randy" Jenkins, Jr., twins, Pamela "Joy" Jenkins-Curl, and Jay David Jenkins. Billie was well known in Carlsbad for her tireless work ethic and tenacity. Her business career started at Valley Federal Savings Bank where she worked for 33 years rising to the position of Branch President. From there she worked in the Life, Health and Investment Department at Carlsbad Insurance and Real Estate for 21 years before retiring from Montgomery Insurance in 2013. Billie worked tirelessly to improve her community, serving on many Board and Committees, including: Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Hispano Chamber, Eddy County Fair Board, Riverside Country Club Board, Altrusa Club, ABWA, Posseette, Hospital Board, Savings and Loan League and United Way. A leader among her generation of women, Billie was the first woman to be elected President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1986. She was named "Citizen of the Year" by the Carlsbad Board of Realtors in 1987. Awarded the "Colonel Aide de Camp" by Governors King, Anaya and Carruthers. In addition, she served on the Governor's Advisory Council for 8 years. Billie dearly loved her family. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Randall Jenkins; son Randy Jenkins; son Jay Jenkins and wife Kirstin of Carlsbad; daughter Joy Jenkins-Curl and husband Eddie of Flower Mound, Texas. She has seven grandchildren: Megan Jenkins, Samantha Jenkins, Evan Curl, Eric Curl, Erin Curl, Emily Curl and Easton Curl. Billie also has a very special family friend, Helen Horton. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com