Jenneil Ione Watkins, 64, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2016, at Avera Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls. Her memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 2, 2016 in Sioux Falls at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3801 E 26th Street (E. 26th St. and Bahnson Ave.).

Arrangements are entrusted to Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield, SD. An online guestbook is available at www.thelen-hykefuneralhome.com

Jenneil was born in Stockton, CA on September 21, 1951 to Pheary and Maude (Gadsby) Watkins. Following graduation from Franklin High School in Stockton, Jenneil attended California State University in Bakersfield, graduating with a degree in psychology.

After moving to South Dakota, Jenneil worked at the SD Developmental Center in Redfield from 1980 to 1995. Following a move to Sioux Falls, she worked for Eyes on You Magazine and McCrossan's Boys Ranch before her employment with Volunteers of America, Dakotas from 2003 to 2014. In 2014, Jenneil joined with partners Pam Bollinger, Pat Stewart and Carol Knudtson to found Leading Edge Solutions of South Dakota.

Jenneil was an active and contributing member of the Sioux Falls and South Dakota community. As an individual with a disability, she advocated for equal access, respect and inclusion for all. Her advocacy efforts ranged from contacting legislators and writing letters to the editor to serving on the Governor appointed State Independent Living Council. Jenneil was a longstanding member of the SD Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities and was elected to the Board of Directors. Jenneil was a Year 7 graduate of SD Partners in Policymaking leadership program and 2008 recipient of the Robert J. Kean Advocacy Award in recognition of exceptional, positive, visible, and lasting contribution to the disability community and the greater South Dakota community. Jenneil was appointed to the Mayor's Disability Awareness Council in Sioux Falls, and she was an active member of the Sioux Falls League of Women Voters. Jenneil volunteered her time and talents for many organizations, including St. Francis House, Lutheran Social Services, Sanford Hospice, and Independent Living Choices. Jenneil supported many charitable organizations and was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls.

Jenneil had a passion for photography and a gift for writing. She shared these gifts with friends, family and the many organizations that she was involved with. Jenneil authored poems, "passing through with passing thoughts" reflections, and the book "What I Remember…What I Can Share: Childhood Memories of Being Hearing Impaired." Her beloved pets, Mica, Luke and Andrew, added immeasurable enjoyment to her life. Her pets were warmly welcomed into the home of a friend.

Grateful for having shared her life are family and the many friends whom she has touched through the years. Jenneil is survived by her loving family, including her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Sharron Watkins of Prescott Valley, Arizona and brother and sister-in-law Pheary and Cecilia Watkins of Shingle Springs, California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to SD Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities (www.sd-ccd.org), SD Parent Connection (www.sdparent.org), or Sioux Falls Area Humane Society (www.sfhumanesociety.com).

Monday, May 02, 2016
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Westminster Presbyterian Church
3801 E 26th Street
Sioux Falls, SD