Thelma Jane Jinks

Thelma Jane Jinks went home to her Lord July 4, 2011. Jane was just 16 days shy of her 102nd birthday, ending a remarkable life. She was born in Decatur, Illinois July 20, 1909. After graduating from Stephen Decatur High School, she went to work as a bookkeeper for Decatur Dry Goods becoming the head bookkeeper. In 1938 she married Merlin Scott Jinks moving to Connersville, Indiana. In 1942 they moved to Dayton, Ohio where she worked as a court stenographer, while her husband was at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. At the end of WWII they returned to Connersville, Indiana opening a jewelry store. In 1953 after the death of her husband she returned to Decatur, Illinois. She then started with a new company, Muni Quip Corporation as a cost accountant. She rose from that to become Vice President of the corporation, an almost unheard of position for a woman n the ’50s. She continued to work until the age of 75 and was a consultant for them until age 77. Jane made Venice, Florida her permanent home in 1971. She was a devout member of Venice Presbyterian Church. She found great comfort in her faith. Jane never just talked the talk; she walked the walk all the days of her life. There was never a time she would be too busy to help a friend or lend a hand to those less fortunate. In 2004 Jane relocated to Fort Myers to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter. She enjoyed her time there, never missing Bingo night or chocolate sundae night. She was preceded in death by her husband Merlin S. Jinks; her twin sister Velma (Cass) Runyan; grandson David Eric; son-in-law Robert L. Stephens; and great great granddaughter Catie. She leaves to cherish her memory daughter Barbara (Robert) Stephens, granddaughter Gerri-Anne (Jim) Duke, grandson Robert A. (Betty) Stephens; and great grandchildren Robert, Joseph, Ben, Melissa, Jacob, and Aila. The family will be forever grateful to care takers Connie Denny and Nancy Jackson, along with the staff of Page Rehabilitation. Your care, love and respect will always be remembered. Jane, always a lady, a remarkable woman, you have earned to rest.