Mary Katherine Carlton Jenkins
Mary Katherine Carlton Jenkins, 89, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2023, surrounded by many of her loved ones.
She was born to the late Bill and Pauline Carlton on Oct. 22, 1933. Having grown up in Alton Park, she was an esteemed badminton champion at her junior high, a sport she continued to play for decades. She attended the original Central High School on Dodds Avenue and was the honored recipient of the DAR Award (Daughters of the American Revolution).
Mary retired early from Chattanooga Belting & Supply and worked part-time for Citizens Bank & Trust. She lived many years on Lookout Mountain and faithfully volunteered with the WMU and the New Salem Mountain Festival. Mary cherished all her lifelong friends and their many adventures to visit beautiful landmarks, near and far. An avid UT fan and season ticket holder, she happily traveled the country with her husband and friends to watch the Volunteers play football.
Over the years, Mary hosted countless friends and family in their home, where everyone loved to laugh and spend time together. She had a competitive spirit, never shying away from an evening of games such as Dominoes, Rook, Phase 10, and Skip-Bo. Mary was such an exceptional cook and baker that family members unashamedly hid her famous chocolate chip cookies from one another during the holidays.
She was a member of Brainerd Baptist Church and was actively involved in the Friendship Bible Class before her health declined.
Mary is survived by her two children, Sheila Thompson (Steve) and Chris Jenkins (Gail); her brother, Billy Carlton (Catherine); five grandchildren, Brian Vandagriff (Holly), Laura Baggett (Kevin), Lindsey Jenkins, Claire Lee and Kylie Lee; and three great-grandchildren, Cylia Baggett, Emma Vandagriff, and Lucas Baggett; nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, James T. (Jim) Jenkins.
The family wishes to thank Morning Pointe of Chattanooga at Shallowford Road, Hearth Hospice, and three caregivers: Angela, Hazel, and Pam. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hearth Hospice, 513 Georgia Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 13, at 2 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, 2013 Greenwood Rd Chattanooga, Tn. 37406, with Dr. Kevin Baggett officiating. The family welcomes loved ones to join them for a reception following at Brainerd Baptist Sanctuary Venue celebrating the life of Mary Katherine Jenkins.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.