Mary Jane (Dart) Jenkins, 69, of Urbana, passed away peacefully at 12:45 pm Thursday (Jan. 11, 2018) at Presence Convenant Medical Center, Urbana, after battling many health issues.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel in Urbana. Pastor Ricky Spindler will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. prior to the funeral, at the funeral home. A private graveside will take place at a later date.

She is preceded in death by her soul mate, husband, Paul Ray Jenkins of 21+ years; parents Joe Dart and Mary Esabelle Ruyle Dart; and infant son Anthony Lee Wheatley.

She leaves behind her four children, Melanie Jane Knerr (John), Richard Joe Wheatley (Elizabeth), Michael Ray Jenkins (Dana), Marcy Dawn Strebeck (Rudiger); 15 grandchildren, Amanda Kay Wheatley, Anthony Knerr (Jena), Colby Knerr, Brandon Knerr, Sara Jane Jocelyn, Nicole Jeanette Wheatley, Danielle Renee Wheatley, Kyle Ray Jenkins, Andrew Jenkins, Gabriel Jenkins, Connor Jenkins, Isabella Jenkins, Austin Strebeck, Abygail Strebeck, Toni Witz (granddaughter at heart); and 4 great grandchildren, Adylynn Shrum-Knerr, Lucas Jenkins, Alexis Knerr, Justice Knerr. She is one of five sisters, Wanda Raymond, Shirley Liggett (Jim), Peggy Regan, and Penny Benner. There are many other family members we may have missed and many others who lover her and will miss her greatly.

Mary Jane Dart was born on June 1, 1948, at Carle Hospital (Urbana). She loved reading, crocheting, and making personal greeting cards. She worked at Bakers Dozen Donut Shop in high school, NCTE for 40+ years as a computer data processor, and DSC for 10 years as a clerical receptionist. Her many volunteer involvements included AMBUCS, secretary for Eastlawn Burial Park, Class of 1966 Reunion Board, Women in Transition, Crisis Hotline, and Champaign County Humane Society.

She married Richard Lee Wheatley on July 16, 1966 and then married Paul Ray Jenkins on Aug. 2, 1981. Mary Jane and Paul met at GT Western Bowl. They enjoyed many traveling adventures and multiple shenanigans. Together they enjoyed camping, cruises, and many other family functions.

Mary Jane's passions were educating, teaching piano, baking, cooking, crocheting, and many other things to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was the family matriarch of her sisters after her mother's passing.

She was an active member of Stone Creek Church for 13 years. She was also a member of the Red Hat Club.

A very special thanks and gratitude to Kathy Milligan for taking her time to be the caregiver for Mary Jane in her final months.

Mary Jane requested that in lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, contributions be sent to Developmental Services Center (DSC) at 1304 W Bradley, Champaign, IL. 61821 or to the Greater Champaign County AMBUCS Organization, P.O. Box 592, Urbana, IL. 61803 on Mary Janes behalf.