Valerie Jenkins

Valerie Christine Jenkins of Locust, NC passed away Monday November 16, 2009. She was born on January 7, 1927 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the fifth of nine siblings. Valerie was the daughter of the late Henrietta and Clifton Liewald, and was preceded in death by her husband Charles Olen Jenkins as well as three sisters, Joyce Dawson, Catherine Trice and Dolores Lanouette, and two brothers, Warren Liewald and Clifton Liewald. She is survived by her siblings Mildred Kuell, Mary Hann and William Melson; daughters Valerie Furr and Robin Efird; three grandchildren, Wendy Pezdirtz, Leeah Cavanaugh and Shawn Whitley; three great grandchildren Ashlee Pezdirtz, Holly Pezdirtz and Brendon Cavanaugh. Valerie spent her childhood in Washington, DC, before moving to Locust with her sweetheart Charlie, who she met when they both worked at Lansburgh Department Store. The couple opened Jenkins Café in Locust, where they served the best burgers in town for 20+ years. After retiring from restaurant ownership, Valerie established a reputation for the best biscuits in town served up at the Burger Shack from 1979 until she retired in 2000. Since then, “GeGe” has been an active great grandmother hosting lunch twice a week for her daughters and grandchildren; treating them to her amazing cooking, and always eager to play with her great grandchildren. She loved collecting dolls, embroidering table runners and pillowcases, and assembling picture albums for family members. No matter what she was doing or how she felt, Valerie always had a smile on her face and shared her love with everyone she met. Visitation will be Friday, November 20, from 12:00 pm until the funeral service at 1:00 pm at New Life Church, 157 Browns Hill Road, Locust, where Valerie was a member. Burial Service will follow at Stanly Memorial Gardens in Albemarle. Flowers may be sent to Hartsell Funeral Home, 13575 Broadway Avenue, Midland, NC, 28107. Hartsell Funeral Home, Midland, is serving the Jenkins family. Online condolences may be sent at www.hartsellfh.com .