Patricia Jenkins

Patricia Helms Jenkins, 86, of Monroe, passed away Monday, April 10, 2023, at her son’s home in Charlotte. NC

Patricia was born April 3, 1937, to the late Martin Lucerne Helms and the late Seena Adeline Helms.

She was also preceded in death by husband, Ralph William Jenkins, sisters, Rachel McGee, Margaret Helms, Mary Helms, and Carolyn Purser and brothers Jackson "Jack" Helms, Thomas Helms, and Joseph Helms.

Survivors include son, Paul Sheidow Jenkins, son, Mark Jenkins and daughter-in-law Nicole of Charlotte, NC, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild, sisters Martha Helms and Rebecca "Gail" Jacobs, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Patricia was born with the wind in her hair, a wild woman if there ever were one.  She loved her large family, loved to travel with her family, and was always ready for an adventure. After a run as her high school class poet, she took her talents to New England, where she began work supporting missionaries both domestic and foreign.  Throughout her life, her faith in Christ led her as an active member of her church and the Advent Christian denomination, serving in various positions.  Always ahead of her time, Pat played college basketball and later pre-dated online dating by writing poetry to a personal ad and going on a blind date with Ralph, her one and only husband.  She nurtured her two sons, indoctrinating her children into slavishly following the Red Sox, a burden that followed them even as they moved from Boston to Monroe in 1985 to live in the house where she was born.  From there, mom took up work as a truant officer, a title she wore proudly, lovingly shepherding wayward children to school.  She worked at Piedmont High School until her retirement in 2003.  After her retirement she continued to serve with the church, travel, and take care of members of her family in their end of life care.  She left an indelible mark on everyone who met her and will be missed greatly.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland. The funeral service will be on Friday at 2:00 pm at Shiloh Advent Christian Church in Monroe officiated by Pastors Travis Hutchison and John Gallagher. Burial will follow at the Shiloh Advent Christian Church Cemetery at 3601 Sikes Mill Rd., Monroe.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Jenkins family.