Sarah Jean Jenkins

Date of Death: May 18, 2021

Sarah Jean Jenkins, beloved partner, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, and friend, died Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Virginia at the age of 34.
Sarah was born on September 20, 1986 in Winchester, Virginia to Pamela and Barry Jenkins. Her childhood was full of many wonderful memories at home with her sister, parents, and grandparents. Throughout her young life, Sarah was known and loved by many in her community for her wit, intelligence, and immense kindness. She was an art historian and trivia extraordinaire, played tennis, and loved film and pop culture. However, her greatest passion was riding and caring for horses.
Sarah received her undergraduate degree from Mary Washington University and would later achieve her Master’s from George Mason University in Art History. While pursuing her Master’s degree she served as a docent at The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and Long Branch Historic House and Farm. Ever the academic, she would go on to teach Art History at Southern New Hampshire University and worked as a copyright specialist with American Public University.
In April of 2014, she met her love, Michael Nelson. Together, they grew their family to incorporate a rescue dog, Gunnar, and cats, Mowgli and Bug. Sarah was a friend and protector to all creatures and regularly brought animals in need to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center. She was dedicated to her horses, Surprise, Snicklefritz, and Hondo, and had a lifelong love of all things equine. She volunteered at Shenandoah Valley Equine Rescue and was a respected horsewoman and community member of Double J Stables.
Sarah is survived by her partner, Michael; parents, Pamela and Barry; sister, Rachel; nephews, Henry, Miles, and Wyatt; best friend, Megan Moore; grandparents, Jean and Herbert Otis; and many other relatives and friends. Her grandparents, Barbara and Russell “Bugs” Jenkins, preceded her in death.
Sarah’s family extends thanks to Dr. Houck and Shenandoah Oncology for their continued care and support of Sarah throughout diagnosis and treatment.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center or Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.
Memorial services for Sarah will be private.

Shane and Cricket

Joseph O'Neil

Jan Laundon

Badamaa Yadamsuren

June Ngome

Daric Ford

Cathy

Casey

Lynn Weaver

Daria and Kenny Gordon

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My family sends our condolences to you family during this difficult time. Cherish the memories and we are thinking of you all. Prayers, from the Nydam family

In memory of Sarah Jean Jenkins, Shane and Cricket lit a candle

Barry and Pam, I'm so very very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Barry, My biggest fear in life is what you are dealing with. In all of our conversations I learned what an incredible man you are as a father and grand father, someone I try to strive to be as a dad myself. We are thinking of you all.

I met Sarah at the Jennifer Casto wedding several years ago. and am sorry for your loss.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

I’m so sorry! Too young!

Barry and Pam, Sending thoughts and prayers, for your loss. Jerry and Kay Priest

Barry and Pam, So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved daughter. We will continue our thoughts and prayers for you and the rest of the family over the days and months ahead. Rick and Tricia Atkins

Thoughts and Prayers to you and the family!

I taught for 12 years. I literally taught thousands of students. There are those who stay with you and, if you’re blessed enough, you get to know them as adults. Sarah was one such student. The kind of bright young woman you knew would kick a** and take names--smart, funny, articulate, kind, talented, an animal lover, and an advocate. I was lucky to have met her as a student. I was blessed to know her as an adult and colleague. We have lost a bright light. Peace and love to her friends and family.

My deepest condolences to all of Sarah's loved ones and her dear animal family. I work remotely and never met Sarah in person, but now I know why we worked so easily and well together. We are kindred souls, lovers of fauna and art. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and had the pleasure of working with her. -May peace be with you, Laura Williams

In memory of Sarah Jean Jenkins, Badamaa Yadamsuren lit a candle

My heart aches at the news that we have lost Sarah. I cannot imagine her as any less than an exuberant, engaged, fully present, caring person. It was my privilege to know her and witness all these outstanding qualities. I extend my condolences to the family and her circle of friends, as great a group of young people as I ever worked with at James Wood. Special thoughts and love to Rachel and the boys.

Thank you Sarah for the laughs and positivity! You will be missed very much!

What a shock. It was my great pleasure to hire Sarah to lead our new and cutting-edge Copyright Program. She brought intense intelligence and innovation to bear on one of the most complex and rapidly evolving arenas in modern society. What a loss ?

Sarah, You are special. You are incredible. The world is darker without you here. I will never forget you or Surprise or any of the moments we shared. My condolences to your family, to Mike, Derek, to everyone. I wish I could pay my respects in person, but I will honor your memory here in the Great White North. Rest in peace. ?

I am so sorry for your families loss. I knew her and school and know she was such an amazing person and can only imagine how missed she will be.

You are a beautiful soul. I will always look up to you.

My heart is broken for all of you at the loss of your beautiful Sarah. May God be with you all during this difficult tine.

My sincere condolences to all of Sarah’s family and loved ones. I cherish my memories working with her at the movie theater all those years ago. Smartest person I knew and so witty. She will leave a giant void behind and I feel like a better person for knowing her. RIP Saiwa Chickens

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

My condolences to Jean and Herb and Pam I didn't know many in your family after you all moved away from Front Royal. I dint know her but I lost my son in January this t year from that hateful cancer and I know how you feel I am so sorry. God bless you all.

Sarah & I chatted last week about how much happy we found in just hanging out with our horses & how much they enjoyed just hanging out with us. She said she was planning to go hop on Hondo that evening. May you be enjoying the herd in beautiful green pastures, my friend.

I am so very sorry. Sarah was a bright spirit.

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Michael and Sarah's family. You will be in our prayers.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.