Virginia Ann “Jenny” Fenner, age 81, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2024 surrounded by her family.
Jenny was born on April 20, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Clarence Wayne and Catherine “Virginia” Dobelbower. Her family moved to Oklahoma City, where Jenny graduated from Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in 1961. Jenny’s youth was marked by an endless enthusiasm for civic engagement and the arts. She served on the high school student council and was an avid writer, becoming the first Oklahoman to place in a national essay contest on health care. As a young adult, she headlined as a vocalist at numerous engagements, including musicals and weddings. Shortly after high school, Jenny graced the stage with her elegance and beautiful voice, earning the title of Miss Oklahoma City. She attended Marymount College, where she studied music, and then returned home and became engaged to her high school sweetheart.
In 1962, she married the love of her life Richard Wells “Dick” Fenner. Over the next 53 years, they shared their love with their children Allyson, Brett, and Daniel. Working together, they committed their lives to their children and grandchildren until Dick’s passing in 2016. They shared their love for the outdoors, taking numerous family vacations to Colorado and spending long summer weekends at Lake Tenkiller. Jenny passed her faith on to her children, raising them in the Catholic church and establishing cherished family traditions.
Jenny lived a life marked by selflessness and a deep empathy and compassion for others, especially those in greatest need. She worked at The United Way and Contact Crisis Hotline, where she led a volunteer team that took calls and offered support to people facing challenges. Jenny was committed to making her voice heard, often expressing her opinions through letters to the editor and marching at the state capitol. She spent the final years of her career at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, where she served as the Church’s Funeral Coordinator, caring for and providing comfort to grieving families, until retiring earlier this year.
Despite the struggles with her health, Jenny showed courage and determination and remained present to her family and friends. Her listening ear, wise counsel, and devotion to her faith helped and inspired many. Jenny also served as a spiritual director, helping others grow in relationship with Christ.
Our family extends our deepest gratitude to all who generously supported Jenny in her final years with prayers, meals, and their comforting presence. Your kindness will always be remembered.
Jenny was preceded in death by her husband Dick, her parents, her brother Jack Dobelbower, and her sister Mary Gaye Shefchek. She is survived by her daughter Allyson Black and husband Charlie; son Brett Fenner and wife Jami; son Daniel Fenner and wife Shannon; her grandchildren, Perry, Taylor, Andrew, Ethan, Jacqueline, Jack and Madeline; her great grandchildren, Luke, Fenner, and Sullivan; her brothers and sisters, Tom and Betty Dobelbower, Kathy and Tim Payne, Mark and Phyllis Dobelbower, Debbie and Ed Portell, and Peter and Debbie Dobelbower; her sister-in-law Jaci Finch and husband Doug; and, dozens of nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 14, 11:00 am, at Epiphany Catholic Church, 7336 W. Britton Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73132. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jenny’s name to the St. Vincent De Paul Society through Epiphany Catholic Church.
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