Mrs. Josephine K. Nixon Jenkins (nee Kallay), of Painesville passed away October 26, 2012 at Heartland of Mentor at the age of 93. Josephine was born in Lake County Hospital, Painesville, Ohio to Joseph W. and Anna Kallay. She graduated from Harvey High School in 1937 and from Stonleigh College, Rye Beach, N.H. in 1939 with a secretarial degree.

She married Walter R. Nixon in 1940 and when her husband took over the ownership of Nixon Funeral Home, assisted him in the operation of the business. They raised their family on the second floor of the funeral home. After the death of Walter, she married Thomas M. Jenkins.

She was an eighty year member of the Painesville United Methodist Church where she remained active until her death. She served on the several committees within the church as well as taught Sunday School, was a Group Leader, served two four-year terms as treasurer of the United Methodist Women and one year as District U.M.W. Treasurer. In recent years she was known as the "Banner Lady" having completed over twenty banners.

She was a member of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron of Urania Chapter #284 in 1962. She was a member and Past President of Beta Nu and Zi Rho Chapters of social sorority Beta Sigma Phi; the Lake County Music and Drama Club; of Child Research Club (which later became the Monday Club); Y'menetts Club and was an associated member of L.C.R.T.A. She belonged to many bridge clubs and several Ladies Golf Leagues.

Jo, as she wished to be called, delivered Meals on Wheels for years and was a "Book Buddy" for State St. Elementary School for several years. She was also a member of the Painesville Senior Center where she taught Line Dancing before joining the Mentor Follies Dancers from the Mentor Senior Center and remained active with them until she turned 90.

She is survived by her children, Jerry Nixon of Florida; Bob (Pat) Nixon of Denver; Jon (Phyllis) Nixon of Leroy; JoAnn (Thom) Smith of Painesville Twp.; Tom (Susan) Jenkins of Denver; JoAnn Jenkins (Louis) Trevino of Houston; grandchildren Scott Nixon, Kim Thompson, Vance Nixon, Melissa Smith, Matthew Smith, Sarah Jenkins, Alex Jenkins, Tristan Trevino, Kelly (Andy) McKelvy) and Chad Rankin of Dallas and six great grandchildren.Her sister Marjorie Carr of St. Joseph, Michigan also survives her.

Mrs. Jenkins was preceded in death by her husband, Walter R. Nixon and Thomas M. Jenkins; parents Joseph and Anna Kallay; brothers, Robert D. Kallay and Watson E. Kallay; sisters, Virginia Hutchins and Florence Schenk and a great grandson Andrew Jenkins.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at Painesville United Methodist Church, 71 N. Park Place, Painesville with Rev. Gerald D. Kalb officiating. Private family graveside services will be held in Evergreen Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Painesville United Methodist Church.

Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home, Painesville.

Online guest book and condolences at www.johnsonfuneralservices.net

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Josephine Nixon Jenkins (Kallay), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Affiliations