Mary Jenkins

Mary Campbell Jenkins, age 93 of Memphis, formerly of Waynesboro died on September 21, 2008 at Kirby Pines Manor in Memphis. She was born November 2, 1914. She was the wife of the late Gordon Jenkins, daughter of the late John Washington and Hattie Benson Campbell, and brother of the late John W. Campbell. Mrs. Jenkins was raised in Hermitage, TN and graduated from Middle Tennessee State Teachers College in Murfreesboro. Before her marriage, she served as Home Demonstration Agent in Perry and Madison Counties. After her children were born, she taught home Economics and English at Wayne County High School and retired there in 1977.



During her early years of teaching, she was in charge of planning, cooking, and cleaning up for banquets at WCHS while serving as the Home Economics teacher. She also served as the unoffical guidance counselor (before the day of official counselors) and helped numerous students resolve problems.



Mrs. Jenkins loved to entertain. She always welcomed family with wonderful meals but also found time to include others who might not have family with whom to share. Her Open House at Christmas was a favorite-somehow she managed to have 14 family members for the weekend in a three bedroom house (with only 1 bathroom for many years) fix meals, get everyone up, fed and dressed in time for church Sunday morning, return home, serve lunch, then get out party things to welcome friends.



She was a faithful and devoted member of Waynesboro United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and later started the Aldersgate class for young adults. She was a member of the Missionary Society and United Methodist Women. For several years, she also gathered and arranged flowers for the church altar each Sunday. She was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, Garden Club, Allied Arts Club, and the Retired Teachers Association. Mrs. Jenkins was a beloved wife, mother, teacher, and friend. She will long be remembered for her kindness and goodness.



She is survived by her daughters and their families, Harriet and Bill Green of Memphis, Molly Thomas and Jane and Gerald Lambert all of Knoxville. Grandchildren, Perry Green and Jennifer Green and Mary and Tom Stevens of Memphis, Blake Thomas of Nashville, Elizabeth and Pat Nolan of Florence, KY, Emily Lambert of Atlanta, Laura Lambert of Knoxville, and seven great grandchildren.



The family will receive friends from 9:30-11 on Friday, September 26, 2008 at Waynesboro United Methodist Church. The funeral will be held there at 11:00 with the Reverend Marvin Champion officiating. Burial will take place at Shofner Lutheran Chapel in Shelbyville at 4:00.