Dorothy Jo Kenimer

Dorothy Jo Kenimer, age 82 of Pisgah, passed away peacefully at her residence while surrounded by family on Sunday, October 23, 2022. Born Dorothy Jo Oaks on October 4, 1940, to the late Dovard and Maxine “Mackie” Oaks, Jo was a native of Guntersville, Alabama. A winner of the Miss Guntersville Lake pageant, Jo was a 1959 graduate of Marshall County High School and attended Jacksonville State University. While there she met Sam Kenimer, they married in January 1961, moved to Pisgah, Alabama, and were blessed with four children over the coming years. She operated a Kindergarten program in her home for several years while also serving as a coach’s wife, and later a principal’s wife, during Sam’s career at Pisgah High School. Jo became a pillar in the community as she and Sam impacted countless lives of children, students, and players during Sam’s twenty-eight-year tenure. An active member of Pisgah Baptist Church, she was a mainstay in the nursery and in Vacation Bible School for decades. Known for her timeless style, green thumb, and legendary sweet potato biscuits, her home always had an open door and was filled with laughter. As her family grew, she became known as “Ma” to her eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren (with three more on the way). The legacy of her love, sacrifice, and warmth will be remembered and dearly missed by family and friends. Jo is survived by her husband of 62 years, Sam Kenimer; her siblings Nancy Ann Winford (Brett) and Ed Oaks (Sharon); children Terry Kenimer (Debbie), Ron Kenimer, Jeff Kenimer (Amanda), and Joanna Millican (Jonathan); grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews from multiple generations. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 29th, 2022, at 11 am at Pisgah Baptist Church in Pisgah, Alabama with Brother Alan Crawford officiating. Burial will follow in Pisgah Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Pisgah Baptist Church Friday from 5-7 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Flowers, or a gift to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), are welcomed by the family.

Dorothy Jo Kenimer

October 4, 1940 - October 23, 2022