The Bartow County School System and Red Top Middle School community mourn the loss of Exceptional Education Teacher JoAnn Jenkins – the “rescuer of everyone and everything.”
“She was a strong supporter of struggling students, highly successful students, and any child that fell in the middle,” said RTMS Teacher Holly Spivey. “She was also a support for her church and community. JoAnn drove senior citizens shopping every week just so they get out. She bought wilted plants from Lowe's just because they needed a little love to thrive. JoAnn paid for the yard of her neighbor to be mowed because the lady was unable. She would give the shirt off her back if asked. There are a lot of shoes left empty with her passing. JoAnn will be missed tremendously by multitudes of people from all over.”
Students describe Ms. Jenkins as funny, creative, generous, protective, and a great math teacher.
“When I think of Ms. Jenkins, the first thing that comes to my mind is her heart,” added RTMS Teacher Allie Ingle. “Her heart for her family, her friends, her students, her school, and her flowers. She was passionate, energetic, courageous, sincere, ambitious, and so much more. Ms. Jenkins has been by my side for almost 10 years, caring for and pushing our kids to the next level. She has been an inspiration to all that have walked through her door.”
Through tears this week, students left messages in their favorite teacher’s classroom and penned letters to her family.
Soft, yet stern, Ms. Jenkins was undeniably a powerful force in the Miner community.
We extend our most heartfelt condolences to the countless lives touched over the eight years she served as OUR Miner.