2nd Memorial Service: Friday, April 14, 2017, 10:00 a.m. First SDA Church, 1303 Evangel Dr NW, Huntsville AL 35816
Interment: Oakwood Memorial Gardens, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896
Jeannie's 1st Memorial Service was held Sabbath afternoon, March 15, 2017, at Jeannie's and the Dent family's home church, the University SDA Church in Los Angeles. Adrian and the family extend sincere thanks and appreciation for the wonderful turnout of the many friends, family, and co-workers from far and near who lovingly attended and brought the family blessing and encouragement with a lifetime's worth of unforgettable memories and lasting friendships. Adrian, Jennifer, Chris, and Holly and their families love you and thank you!
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Proverbs 31:29
"Feisty, fit, funny, friendly, and faithful," are just a few words that describe the amazing life and wonderful character of Phyllis Jean Dent-Watkins, aka “Jeannie.” Born on May 16th, 1947, Jeannie went to her much deserved sleep in Jesus on March 2nd, 2017, just a few months shy of her 70th birthday. Jeannie was the 3rd daughter and 4th and last child of the late Joseph Dent, Sr. and Alice Berry Dent. She was born at White Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles under the watchful eye and with the skilled hands of her 2nd cousin, the late Carl A. Dent, MD. Jeannie was schooled at LA Academy, Lynwood Academy, Oakwood College, and Pacific Union College. Jeannie’s career includes a couple of years as a teacher, years as a stay at home mom to Jennifer, Christopher, and Holly, and her service to Oakwood University as the administrative assistant to Dr. Tim McDonald and Dr. Delbert Baker.
Jeannie's obituary can be found here under the "Her Life" tab. It is based on recorded interviews with her sisters, Gwen White, Claudia Tibbs, and Betty Doggette; cousins, Carol Byars, Debbe Millet, and Pat Robertson; nieces Janet White Hampton, Shannon Hampton, Kim Hampton; her children, Jennifer Watkins, Chris Watkins, and Holly Watkins Yalorda, and her husband of 45 years, Adrian.
You are cordially invited to share your own "Jeannie story" by clicking on the "Stories" tab, or leaving a tribute below. Thank you.
I had the pleasure of working with Jeannie at Oakwood College (back in the dark ages before it became Oakwood University). She was very proud to work in the President's Office, for/with Drs. Delbert and Susan Baker. With her attention to detail and always wanting Oakwood to put its best foot forward, Jeannie took keen interest in the geese that visited the campus.
She frequently called on the director of Physical Plant to ask him to be sure that the sidewalks would be clear of goose poop, especially when special guests were expected, or a special event was coming up, and asked him to occasionally do whatever was necessary to diminish the number of geese that were walking around.
Now when I see geese on the campus, it makes me sad that I can't tell Jeannie about it.
I am SOOOO looking forward to seeing Jeannie again, where we'll all be able to fly!
Sharon just told me, Adrian. I am truly sorry to hear this. As you are discovering, there are no "best" or "right" words. I remember well how you were here for my boys and me, and I wish I could be there for you. I know you have many, many friends and family there to help you. Please remember that we all have willing hands and hearts to support you. Please take comfort in knowing you have many hands willing to lift you up, mine from far away included. We cling to the Blessed Hope.
Love and prayers, Corla and the boys
P.S. Please forgive if this is the second one of these. I may have acccidentally hit "Done" when I hadn't finished the first.
