Jenna Anna Parker Begley was born on April 13, 1936 to Gene Earl Parker and Dickey Wilkinson Parker in Nashville, Tennessee. Mrs. Begley was a graduate of Christian College in Columbia, Missouri and Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky, where she was Vice-President of the Senior Class, a Sister of Sigma Kappa Sorority, and a Mask Crafter Theatrical Troupe member.

Jenna married the late Dr. William Gladstone Begley II on August 2, 1958 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hazard, KY. Jenna taught 8th, 10th, and 12th grade English at Durrett Junior and Seneca Senior High School. The birth of her first child, Ernest Edward Begley II, in 1962, and her first daughter, Virginia Louise, in 1963, paused that career only briefly. Then her daughter, Joanna Caroline, in 1968, changed her focus to that of the family.

Since 1971, Jenna has resided in the home she and Dr. Begley built together. This acted as a base for their family, including sister, Jo Jean Parker Scott, her niece, her nephews, friends, and friends of their children, where she welcomed innumerable backyard football and baseball games, held costume balls, backyard barbecues, fed everyone  who walked through the door, and hosted the weddings of her two daughters.

She welcomed her first grandchild, William Gladstone Begley III in 1995. Three more grandchildren added to the home's activity with the addition of Luther Reed Begley in 1997, Carl Elvis Eidson III in 1998, and Hallie Anna Lindsey in 2002.

As the matriarch of the family, she adopted a new mantle bestowed by her grandchildren: Mem. In this role, she never missed a Friday night football game, baseball tournament, tennis match, or trip to Florida for school events. Any moment of importance in her family's life was marked by her presence and care. She moved about her community with a vigilance determined to care for friends, new and old. A daughter-in-law, Susan Dunn Begley, was accepted as if she were her own, as were her sons-in-law, Carl Elvis Eidson, Jr. and Lex Alan Lindsey. The adoption into her family of Ms. Blythe McCall Turney, a neighbor, as much as a grandchild as her other four, a wandering cat, and the fiancées of her two eldest grandchildren, Dr. Krista Spear and Ms. Bella Bell, exemplify her continuous desire to love, nurture, and enjoy those in her life lucky enough to come under her care.

Her life amounts to a tale of graceful endings:  a move from central to eastern Kentucky; a supportive wife to a mother of three children; a social host to a matriarch and caretaker to an ever-growing family. Time took her parents, her husband, and ultimately her health and well-being. Sight, sound and taste – those senses that enhance experience – all dimmed as she strode forward in her 89 years of life. Her wit, curiosity, and love only grew brighter, though.

The Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green was a second home throughout her life, where she served as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Circle #10 member, and Chrismon Educator. Two of her greatest social joys were reading and discussing books with the Ladies Literary Club and furthering the philanthropic mission of PEO Chapter O.

Her life was a dedication to crafting, fostering, and sharing handcrafted treasures of all mediums, traditional or otherwise. Painting, letter writing, entertaining, and hosting were afforded all the attention of her mind and steady hand. Her family and loved ones, though, were her most prized treasures; all shaped by her inexhaustible love and support. Those who were closest to Jenna were privileged to witness this blessing.

Audiobooks, conversation, and attentiveness kept her personality and keen eye far sharper than time allows for most. No explanation exists other than this:  her inspiration was loving her family and those for whom she cared. She taught all who knew her, but her best lesson was provided by her own example:  a life well lived is done so in the service of others.

A service will be scheduled at a later date.