Lorena Poe

Lorena Jenkins Poe, 75, of Loves Park, IL, passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2018, in her home. Born April 4, 1943, in Fontana Dam, NC, the daughter of Claude and Kate (Gass) Jenkins. Formerly married to Eugene Ray. Married Thomas Poe on June 7, 1988. Retired from Rockford Clutch/Borg Warner as head timekeeper. Lorena was beautiful inside and out; she had gorgeous red hair and the perfect, clearest, complexion. She loved to read and wanted a full library regardless of where she lived. She always put her family first and more often than not, she would go without, to make the lives of her loved ones better. Lorena was a dedicated single mother who worked several jobs (in addition to her fulltime job) to support her daughter; tree trimming, selling pecans on the roadside, and Collectible/Antique Shows to name a few. Survivors include her daughter, Sheila (Gerald) Partch; stepdaughter, Gina (Dwight) Hunter; stepson, Marty Ray; grandchildren, Christopher (Theresa Hopkins) Stadel, Stephanie (Michael) Fitch, Catherine (Paul) Riviera, and Nathan (Kate Williams) Partch; sister, Joyce (Stanley) Bean; brother, Gary Jenkins; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Predeceased by her husband, Thomas; stepson, Marvin Ray; and sister, Linda Smith. Special message from Laurie Gianquinto, “She was a mother to me when my mom was unable to fill the role. She was a sassy, strong, stubborn, very intelligent redhead. RIP Mama.” Special message from Sheila, “To my Dear Mama, as a child; as a teenager; and even as an adult; there were times I would WISH you would go away and stop pestering me. How I would love to get those thoughts back. To everyone else, be careful what you wish for. I love you, Mama, please RIP.”

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 10, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL. Visitation TBA will be at Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. Graveside service will be in Forest Hills Cemetery, Chattanooga, TN, where she will finally be home again.