Emogene Latimer Jenkins McClanahan

Emogene Latimer Jenkins McClanahan

1/3/1928-4/2/2025

Emogene Latimer was born at home on Latimer Lane, which is a lane off Fairview Road, Williamstown, KY. She was a lifelong member of Fairview Christian Church. Through Fairview Church and her mother Emma, who was said to be angel on earth, Emogene became a steadfast believer in the Lord and knew the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We often kidded that if the church doors were open, Emogene was there.

She was eighteen when she married Elmore Jenkins from Pendleton County, who had recently returned from overseas duty at the end of World War ll. Jean and Elmo moved a mile from her family homeplace, and set up housekeeping, in the little white house on Fairview Road.

A year later they had their one and only child, William “Bill” Jenkins. While getting his degree at Georgetown College, Bill met his future wife Lucy Cook Jenkins. Growing up in Washington, D.C. made Lucy a “city” girl but within a very short time she proved to be a true Jenkins. Right handy in the kitchen, on the setter and in the striping room.

Bill and Lucy had one son Wm. “Scott” Jenkins. After he was born, we were pretty sure both Emogene and Elmore loved him more than either one of us. Which was fine. Especially since they kept him for us in the summers and most holidays while we worked. Staying with his Granny and Grandpa Jenkins at the farm, Scott learned to love the farm, farm work and fishing. At the farm, Scott met his lifelong friend Brian Epperson. Mom “was in charge” of both boys, and we heard tales about a fly swatter that was kept in easy reach, just in case either, got too far out of line.

Unfortunately, Elmore died in 1984 after 36 years of marriage.

A year after Elmo died, Ralph McClanhan started calling on Mom. What a blessing he was! They married and had 31 very happy years together. All the McClanhan children were very accepting of Emogene because Ralph had lost his wife to cancer and had spent too many years alone. Both of Ralph’s boys, Ken (Brenda) and Jim (Janet), had a special relationship with Emogene and thanked her for taking such good care of their dad.

Emogene was very proud of her grandson Scott’s accomplishment of becoming a very successful Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon, practicing in Lexington, KY.

Scott’s wife Katherine “Kathy” Jenkins is a very accomplished radiologist. And a wonderful “great” daughter in law.

Scott and Kathy have two children, Lane Kate and Owen Parker Jenkins. Lane played volleyball for the University of Kentucky and Owen excels at baseball and is committed to the University of Kentucky.

Brian and Becky Epperson married and had a daughter who was born on Mom’s birthday, January 3. Emogene and Ralph became Emma’s babysitters when she was just a few days old, until she learned to drive. Emma and “Granny” share not only birthdays but a very special relationship. Even though she is in college she still stopped by Knight’s to visit with her “Granny”.

Besides her church family, Emogene built lasting friendships with many, many people.

Starting with her classmates at Mason High School in the graduating Class of 1945. Emogene tried never to miss a Class Reunion.

Emogene was a switchboard operator for Cincinnati Bell and worked for them for 25years. That led to close friendships with the other operators. When they got together, they called themselves the “Bell” Girls.

After retirement, Emogene worked at the election polls. She loved to talk and that was a great way for her to visit with all the people who showed up to vote.

Emogene was known for her huge gardens. She was always happiest when she was outside. Her gardens yielded the best tomatoes and corn. She canned and froze all summer as the crops ripened. Her green beans were legendary as were her sweet pickles.

Her Italian Cream cake was amazing, and people asked her to make them for special occasions and she did gladly.

During the winter months, after she retired, she took up quilting and many of us are proud owners of her hand stitched quilts.

We as her family will dearly miss her and know there are others like us who miss her too, but she is now in a better place. Ninety-seven is a long life and if she were still with us, she would tell you, it was a good one.

Her family wants to thank Jewel and Lisa Knight and all the caregivers at Knight’s Home. They made Mom’s last two years of life very happy, in a very loving atmosphere.

Visitation will be Wednesday April 9, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. at Stanley Funeral Homes - Williamstown. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 with Pastor Wayne Rice officiating.  Emogene will be laid to rest beside her first husband, Elmore Jenkins.  

Memorial contributions may be made in Emogene's memory to:  Fairview Christian Church, 495 Fairview Rd, Williamstown, KY  41097.