Obituary: William Jennings “Jenks” Ansell | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Mr. William Jennings “Jenks” Ansell, age 93, a resident of Washington and a former resident of Knotts Island, N.C., died Saturday, July 30, 2011, at River Trace Nursing Center of Washington.

    A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, at Knotts Island Baptist Church conducted by the Rev. George Ansell and pastor Phillip Jethro. Burial will take place at Knotts Island Community Cemetery.

    Mr. Ansell was born in Currituck County on April 12, 1918, son of the late Willie Jordon Ansell and the late Emily Dough Ansell. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Mr. Ansell married Melrose Bonney on July 12, 1947, who survives. He operated “Jenk’s Place” in Knotts Island from 1950 to 1985. Mr. Ansell was a member of Knotts Island Baptist Church.

    Survivors include Mr. Ansell’s wife, Melrose of Washington; a daughter, Darlene A. Jethro and her husband, Phillip of Chocowinity; son: Kent Ansell of Knotts Island; two brothers: George Ansell of Nags Head, N.C., Keith Ansell of Winter Park, Fla.; a sister: Elizabeth White of Virginia Beach; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

    Mr. Ansell was preceded in death by a son: Robert Ansell on Nov. 30, 1987; a sister: Shirley A. Evans; and two brothers: Aubrey “Sharkey” Ansell and Philip Ansell.

    The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Knotts Island Baptist Church and other times at the home of his son, Kent Ansell, 177 Bay Orchard Lane, Knotts Island. Flowers are welcome and appreciated and the family kindly asks that any memorial contributions be made to Knotts Island Baptist Church, 389 Woodleigh Road, Knotts Island, NC 27950.

    Condolences may be offered by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve Mr. Ansell’s family.