Security association executive dies

IRVING, Texas—Tonja Jenkins, well known security industry executive, died Saturday, July 4, the Electronic Security Association announced this week.

“It is with the deepest sense of loss that I must inform my colleagues of the untimely death of Tonja Jenkins on Saturday night,” said Merlin Guilbeau, ESA executive director in a letter to ESA members. Jenkins was 50.

“As many of you know, Tonja was the associate executive director of the Electronic Security Association. Anyone who knew Tonja understands the tremendous, positive impact she had on this association and the industry at large,” he said.  

Guilbeau noted that Jenkins “loved what she did and was a driving force in many of the successes of the association. Many programs, including the Young Security Professionals and Executive Strategic Partners, were products of her tenacity and vision. She will be profoundly missed.”  

The family has asked that their privacy be respected at this time.

Jenkins was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1960 and leaves behind her husband of 30 years, Christopher Jenkins; her children, Randi and Julian Jenkins; and her grandchildren, Ryan Johnson and Jackson Jenkins.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, July 9, 2010 at 1:30 pm CDT at First Euless Church in the small chapel: 1000 Airport Freeway, Euless, Texas, 817-267-3313, www.firsteuless.com.

Immediately following the service, a graveside service will be held at Bear Creek Cemetery on Bear Creek Cemetery Road. There is no street address but driving directions can be found on the website, www.bearcreekcemetery.com. Immediately following the graveside service, a gathering of family and friends will take place at Bear Creek Golf Club, 3500 Bear Creek Court, Dallas, Texas, 972-456-3200, www.bearcreek-golf.com.

A fund has been established to assist the family with funeral expenses. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Jenkins Funeral Trust, P.O. Box 613305, Dallas, Texas, 75261-3305. Those traveling from out of town for the services may book a $79 room ($89 with breakfast) at the DFW South Courtyard Marriott: DFW South Courtyard Marriott, 2280 Valley View Lane, Irving, Texas 972-790-8990.