Jennifer Ann Conklin, 63, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2019.

She was born March 27, 1956, in Syracuse, Kansas, the daughter of Jack and Jacqueline (Bendure) Conklin. She attended Topeka West High School and went on to further her education at Kansas State University, majoring in Creative Writing.

She was known for not only being quirky and compassionate but for also being loving and spiritual. She would light up a room in an instant with her funny and creative self. She enjoyed collecting key chains, unique items and board games. She had a love for the "hippie days" and anything hippie related.

She was an avid writer, poet, artist and excellent story teller; which was shown through her work as a teacher and educator which brought her love and comfort.

Being empathetic and non-judgmental helped her to be an activist. She was involved in many civil rights movements, including Human Pride, World Wide. There is currently a plaque at the capitol building with her name on it.

She is survived by her children: Jonathan Hagans, Deedric Hagans, Michael Colbert, and Brooke (Colbert) Givian; siblings; Donald Conklin, John Conklin and Kat Land; grandchildren; Ollion Hagans, Markell Keeling, Jadon Pettit, Alexis Dreiling, Napoleon Hagans, Timaya Hagans, Goliath Hagans, Deedric Hagans Jr., Dayton Hagans, Daizha Hagans, Lillyanne Colbert, Avianna Givian, Danny Stephens and William Givian II and 7 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack L. Conklin and grandson Isiah Hagans.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2019 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka. Interment will follow at Rochester Cemetery. The family will greet friends an hour prior at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Equality House, 1200 SW Orleans St, Topeka, KS 66604 in Jennifer’s name.

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