Jennifer (Jenna) Coker Obituary

JENNIFER LYNN COKER (known as Jenna) passed peacefully from this world into the glory of eternal rest alongside her husband and loved ones on 3/22/2026.

Born in January, 1950 in Tokyo, Japan, the daughter of US Army Major Ellis Clifton and Norma Jo Coker, the family returned to the United States circa 1952. Her early years were spent living on numerous Military bases around the world, including Germany, California, New York, Georgia, and Texas. Her family finally settled at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas where her father passed away and she became a US Army Gold Star Family member.

She attended Leavenworth High School, and soon thereafter served several rural Kansas Utility companies as an accountant. 25 years of her career was devoted to Kansas University, Lawrence (Go Jayhawks!) in numerous capacities and departments until retirement: her longest-serving and most beloved position as Accounting Manager for the Geology Department.

Jenna was very active in the greater Lawrence community enjoying volunteering, concerts, visiting Art galleries and social and cultural events. She had many friends who enjoyed her vivacious arrivals in the red Mustang convertible (with personalized plate "FRE2BME") to relish nice weather at lakeside gatherings, swims, picnics and events.

About this time in her life, Jenna became exceptionally passionate about gardening, obtaining a Master Gardener Certification. Her residence is and will remain well­-known for the attractively alluring gardens she created. Her everlasting memory will live on through her joyful vocation in the Oak Hill Cemetery through her generously donated time caring for flowerbeds throughout the Cemetery. Jenna is well self-described by her phone greeting, "I'm out trying to change the things I can't accept or I'm out diggin' in the dirt: summer or winter".

Her life became truly complete only after meeting her soulmate and future husband, Fredrick Sack. They openly blossomed together through their deep and devoted love for each other and life, their shared passions, and genuine thrill in all things joyful and beautiful. Jenna and Fred made priceless memories on countless pleasure road trips over the years: traveling more than 20,000 miles (early on with a camper) to visit family, friends and national treasures. She was especially impressed by the immense beauty and power of Niagara Falls and the stunningly enormous trees in Upstate NY.

Together, they visited Disney Land, toured Texas, Mount Rushmore, greatly enjoyed camping in Fred's son's back yard in Denver and her sister's tiny house in the woods under the shadow of Mount Monadnock, boating around and exploring islands on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, touring the Northeast coastline and White Mountain National Forest during the height of fall foliage, and many, many more memorable local trips. Jenna will be greatly missed by the multitude of people she deeply touched throughout her life.

Graveside Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Hospice Care VNA of Lawrence or the Lawrence Humane Society.

Online condolences made at ­rumsey-yost.com