Marlene Doris Jenkins

Marlene Doris Jenkins
September 16, 1933 – October 10, 2023
God called the beautiful soul of Marlene Doris Jenkins, age 90, of Franklin, TN to be with Him on the evening of Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
Marlene’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the joys of her life. She loved each of them with all of her heart. Whenever they were near, she had a special glow. She touched many lives with her pure heart, and never met a stranger. In her early years she had a career in Nursing at Vanderbilt and as a Public Health nurse. She also served on the board of the family’s company, Athens Paper, where her ideas were always clever and well thought out. She enjoyed being outside in nature whether alongside a family-raised German Shepherd, working in her garden, or watching her hummingbirds on a sunny day.
A dedicated follower of the Church of Christ, she had many years spent as a member of Vultee Church of Christ, always teaching Bible classes and Sunday School. She enjoyed time at her shop, Tennessee Treasures, in Franklin for many years. Known for her creative and artistic side, her specialty was making beautiful porcelain dolls. She also shared a booth with her friends for many years at Christmas Village. She boasted many talents. She was also an excellent cook, her guests raved about pies, cakes, and cornbread. She always left everyone happy and full.
She was a devoted and loving grandmother, mother, and wife. Her love, influence and warmth were a blessing to all. Nothing will ever take away her love that our hearts hold so dear.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Hester J. Aaron and Melisa Mae Rush Aaron; son: Don Jenkins III; three brothers: Junior Aaron, Raymond Aaron and Clifford Aaron.
She is survived by her husband of 69 wonderful years: Don Jenkins, Jr.; son: Tad Jenkins (Martha) of Franklin, TN; daughter-in-law: Penny Jenkins; grandchildren: Marlena Jenkins of Franklin, TN and Zach Jenkins (Elise) of Nashville, TN; great-grandchildren: Ella Rae and Everett Jenkins; brother: Joe Aaron of Haines City, FL and sister: Dorothy “Dot” Dial of Lawrenceburg, TN.
Funeral services and burial for Marlene Doris Jenkins will be held Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Olivet Cemetery with Joey Spann officiating. Visitation will be held at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., and prior to the funeral Thursday, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude to many family and friends, as well as Maria Caratachea, Kristina Hart, and Gilda Rubio for their assistance, compassion, and love throughout this difficult time.