Images: "Rincon Ocotillos: For Mary Jenks" (c) 2011 Stu Jenks & "Mary On The Fourth Of July" (c) 2010 Stu Jenks
Mary Elton Saum Jenks
October 31st, 1926 - July 7th, 2011
Mary Elton Saum Jenks died July 7th, 2011 at Crossroads Adult Care Center in Tucson, Arizona of complications from dementia. She was 84 years old. Mary was born in Alexandria, Virginia into a family of landed gentry. She attended Duke University in North Carolina, graduated from Duke pre-med, and married Stuart Carlyle Jenks Sr. soon after. They were married 52 years until his death in 2001. Mary was very active in The Episcopal Church, from being choir director at St. Mary’s Whitechapel in Lively, Virginia, to being a member of The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Virginia. She is survived by her son, Stuart C. Jenks Jr. of Tucson, Arizona, her brother, Courtney Saum of Silver City, New Mexico and a few nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sisters Virginia and Nan, her husband Stuart and her daughter Pamela. Memorial services for Mary will be held at Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 2331 East Adams Street, Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday, July 30th at 2 p.m.. Another funeral for Mary and the burials of both Pamela and Mary Jenks will be at St. Mary's Whitechapel Episcopal Church, 5940 White Chapel Road, Lancaster, Virginia on September 17th, 2011 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Casa de la Luz Foundation, 400 West Magee Road, Tucson, Arizona 85704
I am sorry for passing of your mom and sister. That's a lot to process at once. May your friends close and wide (internet) provide you with all the loving support you need. Namaste
Posted by: Stacy Gormley | July 09, 2011 at 07:10 PM
Stu, I just heard the sad news this morning at St. Mary's. I miss her. On my frig is a photo of her in Hallowen costume and ready to party. Not to many 89 somethings can you say that about. Ready to party. But Mary always was. She had a real sense of "having fun." And I'm so sorry about Pamela. I had no idea things were moving so fast. Definitely bad times for you. Kathie next door and I want you to know we have places for you & any others you might want to bring to our compound when you come to the NN..
With love to you.
Posted by: Anne Stanley | July 10, 2011 at 03:37 PM
Stu, it truly is a great loss - we all so loved your mom! I also love how you have memorialized and honored her here. You have been a good son. God bless and keep her now.
Posted by: Leslie | July 12, 2011 at 01:41 PM
Stu: Anna Lou called today with the news about Mary and also Pamela. I am sorry for your losses and I treasure the many, many times and conversations that I have shared with your Mom. May they rest in peace and rise in glory -
Cindi in Alexandria
Posted by: Cindi Bartol | July 12, 2011 at 01:42 PM
Stu,I am truly saddened by the loss of both your sister and mother. We would like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to care for Mary. She added so much to our Crossroads community and is greatly missed. We have so many fond memories of her that will keep us smiling for years to come. She was such an inspirational woman to have known. Once again thank you from all of us at Crossroads.
Posted by: Marie | July 26, 2011 at 02:21 PM