Delilah Mae Jenks

The world became a brighter, kinder place on April 3, 1934, with the birth of Delilah Mae Jenks in Henderson, North Carolina. Born to Annie Mae (Murphy) Jenks and Elmer Jenks, Delilah carried a quiet strength, gentle spirit, and deep love for others that would shape generations of her family.

To those who knew her best, Delilah was the heart of the family—the one everyone turned to for comfort, wisdom, laughter, and love. She had a way of making every person feel welcome and cared for. Her home was never just a house; it was a gathering place filled with the smell of home-cooked meals, music playing in the background, stories shared around the table, and the reassurance that no matter what life brought, you were never alone. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the greatest joys of her life, and she poured her whole heart into each of them.

In 1967, following a mother’s instinct and love for her son Joel, Delilah moved her family to Arizona, hoping the dry climate would ease his asthma. During their 14 years there, she created a life rich with adventure, resilience, and togetherness. Delilah worked hard throughout her life and took pride in everything she did. She spent time at Motorola helping manufacture computer chips and later worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Mesa, caring for others with patience and compassion. But the role she treasured most was being a mother, grandmother, homemaker, and the steady foundation of her family. She gave endlessly of herself, always putting others before her own needs, and did so with grace and quiet dignity.

Later, the family relocated to Omaha, Nebraska to support her husband Frank Weaver’s work in the meatpacking industry. In 2002, Delilah fulfilled a dream of creating one more special home for her family when she invested her life savings into a house in Exira, Iowa. With the help of those she loved most, she transformed it into a warm and welcoming sanctuary where family memories continued to grow.

She found beauty in simple moments and believed life was meant to be explored and celebrated. She loved traveling and often kept a map close by, dreaming about the next adventure. Some of her family’s most cherished memories were made on camping trips and hikes through the Superstition Mountains, Grand Canyon, and Canyon de Chelly. You could often find her dancing in her living room with the music volume high and laughter that could light up any room. She was a lifelong member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, and her faith remained an important source of strength, guidance, and comfort throughout her life. She also had a deep love for poetry and storytelling, she often read her poems aloud to her children and grandchildren, creating moments of comfort, wonder, and connection they will carry with them forever.

Delilah Jenks, age 92, of Exira, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, at UNMC, with her son Jeffrey Weaver by her side.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Frank Weaver Jr.; her siblings, Bobby Lee, Edith Fuller, Hartwell Jenks, and Roger Jenks; and her beloved granddaughter, Adrienne Weaver.

She is lovingly survived by her siblings, Durwood Jenks and Shelby Ball; her children, Frank (Linn) Weaver III and his wife Pam, Donna Weaver, Joel Weaver, and Jeffrey Weaver and his wife Angela; and her cherished grandchildren, Vanessa Weaver, Rachael Weaver, Amy Weaver, Frank Weaver IV, Anthony Schellhardt, and James Schellhardt. As well as many great-grandchildren.

Her life was defined by love, sacrifice, strength, and unwavering devotion to family. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the kindness she gave, the lessons she taught, and the love she shared will continue to live on in every life she touched.

Public visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 12:00 p.m., at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Exira.

Committal will take place following the services at the funeral home at the Exira Cemetery.

A reception will take place at the Exira Community Club following the committal.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Exira.