Mary Jacqueline (Cunningham) Jenkins

After 89 blessed years, the world has lost the brightest smile of all. Mary was born in Santa Barbara, CA on October 23, 1935. She passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024.

Mary was the youngest child of Jesse Cunningham and Helen Grace Hull. In the 4th grade she and her sister JoAnn became orphans. Beating the odds she grew up strong and vibrant, kind and generous. She graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1954 where she was a majorette and a talented seamstress. Later, she married Robert C. Jenkins and became the ultimate housewife and mother of 4 children. In addition to mothering, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cooking, gardening, attending the Church of Christ, and the general love of life.

Surviving are her sister JoAnn Talaugon, and her children Diane Mast (Mike Mast), Robert Jenkins Jr., Desna Jenkins (Michael DeLuca), and JoAnne Jenkins (Michael Picard). Also two grandchildren Amber Jackson (Garrett Jackson) and Ayla Cook and 5 great-grandchildren Gracie and Ellary Jackson, and Josie, Jayden, and Jaxon Cook. She leaves behind Don Juan, Spooky, and Little Boy - her three beloved cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Corliss Hargraves, Jeanne Carroll, and Helen Grace Faber.

Mary Jackie loved flowers and would undoubtedly appreciate any thoughtful gift of them.

Visitation is from 1:00-2:00 with funeral service at 2:00 PM on December 12, 2024 at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home in Boone, NC. A family burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Blowing Rock, NC.

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