Brenda Gray (Heath) Jenkins

Brenda Heath Jenkins, 81, passed away peacefully, November 2, 2024, at her home in Kinston, surrounded by her loving family. Brenda was the daughter of the late Adolph and Annie Heath, born June 7, 1943 in Lenoir County.

Brenda worked at Rayovac for years before retiring in 1994. After doing so, she eagerly stayed home to “tend” to her grandbabies. She also helped manage the mobile home park that her and her late husband, James, started in 1995. She would sometimes let tenants “slide” cause she knew what it was like to be a little short. She loved gardening, taking her babies right along with her. She also loved cooking and preparing meals for her family and friends. She would never turn anyone away from her table. She will be remembered as a loving, caring and giving mother, grandma, sister, aunt, friend and woman.

Along with her parents, Brenda is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, James Brent “JJ” Jenkins; brothers, Herman and Earl Heath; and grandson, Donald James “DJ” Hill. Survivors left to treasure her memory includes; her two sons, Gary Jenkins and wife Kelly of Pink Hill, Mickey Jenkins and wife Kim of Kinston; her daughter, Melissa Hill and husband Wayne of Pink Hill; special nephew, Steven Heath and wife Laurinda; special niece and caregiver, Judy “JuJu” Stallings; grandchildren, Lindsey Barfield and husband Trey of Pink Hill, Daulton Jenkins and wife Gracelynn of Pink Hill, Cody Jenkins and wife Summer of Kinston, Raeli Thigpen and husband Andrew of Richlands, Melany Hill, widow of the late DJ Hill of Kinston, JW Stallings and wife Sabrina of Pink Hill, and Jeffery and John Rylan Howard of Seven Springs; great grandchildren, Payton, Madi, Paisley, Kolby, Gary, Kelly, Emerson, Bexley and Jaydon; sister, Glenda Tilghman and husband Billy of Grifton; several nieces and nephews she loved dearly. The family would like to express their appreciation to 3HC and the compassion they showed. Especially to Gwen and Lois, their love and compassion was shown throughout.

A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Garner Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Dixon officiating. Visitation will be held following the funeral service. The burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Pinelawn Memorial Park.