Obituary - Jenny Kokenes
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Virginia "Jenny" Pleasants Kokenes, 70, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster. She was born February 9, 1945 in Clearwater Beach, FL, daughter of the late Graydon Oliver Pleasants and Virginia Shaffner Pleasants. Jenny was raised in Winston-Salem, NC where she attended the Summit School and graduated from Salem Academy and Salem College.
Jenny is survived by husband Dean Kokenes of 28 years Charlotte, NC; daughter Adair Sheahan, husband Dan, granddaughters Reilly and Bridget Denver, CO; daughter Winston Rice Aspen, CO; brother Graydon Pleasants, wife Margaret Scales, niece Virginia, nephew Graydon Winston-Salem, NC; step-son Stephen Kokenes, wife Leigh, grandchildren Corrine and Stuart Raleigh, NC; step-daughter Kristen Xerras, husband Greg and granddaughters Alex, Olivia and Mia Charlotte, NC.
Jenny lived and loved wholeheartedly. She was passionate about the art of fine horsemanship from an early age. Jenny remained an avid and devoted equestrian and got deep personal fulfillment from it throughout her life. She raised her daughters, Adair and Winston, with an appreciation of her love of horses and her independent spirit. Jenny expressed and shared her creativity, generosity and compassion through her love of baking, gardening and travel. Her favorite destination was always the beach. Jenny and Dean found great enjoyment and satisfaction exploring many far flung places of interest. These travels were enriched by family visits, time spent with children and grandchildren, as well as making new friends and visiting old friends.
Their quest for adventure led them to Aspen/Snowmass Colorado for 15 winters where they worked and enjoyed living the full Rocky Mountain experience. Last summer, Jenny fulfilled her lifelong dream of riding in a "real deal" cattle drive in Wyoming with girlfriends. Jenny would want us all to remember to be kind, have fun and live life to the fullest. If you would like to make an expression of your love in Jenny's honor, you may do so by making donations to either Misty Meadows Mitey Riders, 455 Providence Road South, Weddington, NC 28173, www.miteyriders.org or Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster, 8919 Park Road, Suite 1000, Charlotte, NC 28210 www.hpccr.org. A celebration of Jenny's life will be held at a later date.
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