Carolyn Heavner Jenks, 85, of W. Main St. died Wednesday, March 18, 2015. She was born on August 12, 1929 in Gaston County to the late Charlie L. and Ila Armstrong Heavner. She was a dedicated Christian and worker in the First Wesleyan Church where she was a lifetime member. She loved her Lord and was pleased to be able to serve Him in many areas of the church. Carolyn was a former Sunday school teacher and she, along with a group of other faithful ladies, started the week day Children's Program in the church. She served as Director of this program for a number of years. This is still a very active program in the church. She loved children and missions and served as Director or Assistant Director of the Wesleyan Women's Mission Department in the church for many years.
After graduating from Cherryville High School, she entered Nurses Training at Shelby Hospital, now Cleveland Regional Medical Center. She was married to Paul Jenks for 47 years until his death in 1995. She and Paul have two sons who survive, Paul Richard "Rick" Jenks and wife, Renee, and Randy Carol Jenks and wife, Karen. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Richard Cameron "Cam" Jenks and wife, Ashley, Jason Lee Jenks and wife, Amanda, Jordyn Carolyn Jenks, Drew Laskey, Chad Laskey, and Taylor Laskey; great grandchildren, Aiden Jenks, Beckham Jenks, Rylee Laskey, and Kendall Laskey; sisters, Rachel Heavner Dixon and Theda Heavner Beck; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Carolyn worked as a private duty nurse for several years until the birth of her children. She then became a stay at home mom for a good number of years. She later returned to the working world at Carolina Freight Carriers. She retired from there in 1991. After Paul's death, she felt the call back to the medical field and started taking care of the sick and elderly. She loved being able to make a difference in the lives of others. She said she felt this was a special calling from the Lord for her. She was still doing this until she was 85 years old. She was very thankful that the Lord gave her the strength, health, and ability to continue doing this.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 3:00 PM at First Wesleyan Church with Rev. Mark B. Poe officiating. Burial will follow at City Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:30 to 2:45 PM at the church prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to First Wesleyan Church, 800 N. Pink St. Cherryville, NC 28021.
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