Jenny grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, & was the oldest daughter in the Yacktman family. As the 3rd of 7 children, she often played “mother” to her 3 younger brothers. She was very concerned about them when she went to BYU for college. She met her husband, Mark, on a blind date at BYU, & they had 1 boy & 2 girls. Their 1st daughter had some complications with her health, & had surgery at about 1 yeat old, & again in junior high.

On March 16, 2004 Jenny suffered a severe brainstem stroke, & was given 24 hours to live. When she survived, her doctors predicted that all she’d ever do was blink. 17 years later, she is re-learning speech, can move her right arm & head, is the primary president at her church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), & is expecting her 1st grandbaby in December.

​She has a blog jenannlynn.org that started as a way to share her recovery with family that was far away, & has evolved to Jenny sharing her faith, life experiences, & more!

Jenny feels humbled by this nomination, & is grateful to her Heavenly Father for all her blessings. She’s grateful she’s been able to remain a part of her children’s & husband’s lives, & looks forward to sharing her life with future generations.