Genie Jenkins Braden's Obituary
Genie Jenkins Braden passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, after a brief illness. She was 68 years old.
She was born on March 18, 1957, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Sarah Catherine and James E. Jenkins. Genie moved to Memphis early in life and always considered it home. She was a graduate of White Station High School and the University of Tennessee. Genie later earned a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Memphis.
She loved Jesus and her daughters deeply. Genie was an active member of Second Presbyterian Church for many years and had recently joined Independent Presbyterian Church, where she participated in a women’s Bible study. One of her greatest joys was a book club she started with dear friends more than 25 years ago.
Genie was an animal lover and lived an active life. She completed the New York City Marathon in 2004 and could often be found walking her neighborhood with her dog or with friends. She also loved to play games, most recently enjoying canasta and mahjong.
She is survived by her daughters, Sarah Braden of Knoxville and Elizabeth Braden (Ry Beck) of Indianapolis; her sister, Cathy Jenkins of Memphis; and her brother, James Jenkins (Teresa) of Counce, Tennessee. She is also survived by three nieces and one nephew whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Independent Presbyterian Church or Meals on Wheels.
A visitation will be held at Independent Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, February 3rd at 12:00 p.m., in the Rotunda, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m., in the Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following MIFA's Meals On Wheels or IPC Memphis.
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