DeEtta Harris Jenkins, 89, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023. A Florida native, who was born in Tampa on January 14, 1934, she had resided in Brandon most of her life. She graduated from Brandon High School, Salutatorian, in 1951 and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa as well as her Master’s degree from Rollins College. She was head majorette at both Brandon High School and the University of Tampa. She retired from the Hillsborough County Teachers Association after more than 40 years teaching in the public school system as well as in private educational centers. Her specialty was teaching reading. She was also a member of the Limona Village Chapel United Methodist Church in Limona.
DeEtta was preceded in death by her parents, Durward H. Harris Sr., and Pauline Childers Harris who owned and operated one of the first restaurants in the Brandon area, Harris Restaurant from 1957 - 1971. She was also preceded in death by a brother, William M. Harris (1938), her husbands Walter W. Thrailkill and L.L. “Bud” Jenkins. DeEtta spent many happy years with her companion John Naugle who also preceded her in death.
DeEtta is survived by her children, Julie (Rob) Blagojevich of Nashville, TN, Tom (Angie) Thrailkill of Safety Harbor, Eric (Nanci) Thrailkill of Nashville, TN and Robert Thrailkill of Venice. She is also survived by her brother, Durward H. Harris Jr., of Brandon and a sister, Judy McMeen of Valrico. DeEtta is also survived by six grandchildren, Alex Blagojevich, Hannah Alwan, Wesley Thrailkill, Julianne Thrailkill, Davis Thrailkill and Ella Thrailkill, as well as four great-grandchildren (Jordi, Rylee, Tristan and Lily).
Funeral services will be private followed by interment at New Hope Cemetery in Brandon. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Limona Village Chapel United Methodist Church at 408 Limona Rd. Brandon, FL 33510.
Events
Event Information
Cemetery Details
Location
207 New Hope Road
Brandon, FL 33510
Limona Village Chapel United Methodist Church
Brandon, FL 33510
