03/03/2026
Joanna Jett Jenkins
Joanna Jett Jenkins, age 51, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at her home in Powhatan, Virginia, surrounded by her loved ones after a courageous fight with cancer.
Joanna was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Deborah "Debbie" Jett and her beloved horses Major, Chester and Stormy. She is survived by her devoted husband of 26 years, Robert "Rob" Jenkins; her cherished daughters, Julia Jenkins (Virginia Grace), Jenna Lewis (Jacob), and Jordan Jenkins; and her soon-to-be-born granddaughter, Josephine Kate, whom she was eagerly awaiting with great joy. She is also survived by her father and adopted mother, James Jett and Jeanette Reynolds Smith; her sister, Jessica White (Paul); her nephew, Colter; her mother-in-law, Judy Jenkins; numerous extended family members and dear friends; her beloved pig, Hammy; her treasured horses, Roo, Winnie, Venus, Pumpkin, Egala, Bliss, and Bear; her loyal dogs, Wolfie and Stella; and her cat, Tigger, along with his many feline companions.
Born on July 6, 1974, to Debbie and Jim Jett, she graduated from Trinity Episcopal Highschool and then attended Virginia Tech, where she studied business and veterinary medicine and was a member of the university's equestrian team. While in school, she worked two jobs to earn the money to buy and restore her dream car-a 1974 Barracuda-which became her pride and joy. Joanna worked at and eventually became the owner of James River Riding School, where she shared her expertise and love of horses with countless beginner riders. She had a special gift for teaching, encouraging confidence both in the saddle and beyond. Later, she continued her dedication to animal care by providing IT support for Dr. Carmen Franck Flippin, combining her technical skill with her lifelong commitment to veterinary medicine.
Joanna and Rob married in 1999 and, in 2001, moved to Powhatan, where they made their home on ten beautiful acres and began raising their family. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and rescue animals-horses, dogs, cats, and even Hammy the pig-each one welcomed and cared for with Joanna's boundless compassion.
In recent years, Joanna earned her master's degree in herbalism and developed her own line of medicinal remedies for both people and pets. This passion led her to create Busy Bee Gardens and Gifts and Busy Bee Herbals, businesses that reflected her knowledge, creativity, and heartfelt desire to help others. She was a true "fixer" of everything-whether nurturing a struggling plant back to health, restoring a classic car, tending to an injured animal, solving a technical problem, or offering steady guidance to a friend in need. She also dedicated herself to collecting and preserving rare Virginia native and heirloom plant species, ensuring their beauty and legacy would continue for generations.
Above all, Joanna's greatest pride and joy was her family. Her strength, warmth, and unwavering love will live on through her daughters, her granddaughter, and all who were blessed to know her.
A celebration of Joanna's life is being planned for Saturday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. at her father's home, 221 Fairway Dr, Louisa, VA 23093. Her life was a testament to resilience, generosity, and the quiet power of a compassionate heart. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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