Madeline Garrett Jenkins

Madeline Garrett Jenkins age 98, a resident of Albuquerque, NM, departed this life January 2, 2014. She passed away peacefully at Elmcroft Nursing Home with her daughter by her side. Madeline was born March 11, 1915 in Tom's Creek, VA to Etta and Gilmer Garrett, the third of thirteen children. She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Jenkins; her parents, Etta and Gilmer Garrett; her brothers, Eual, Marvin, Hartford, Clarence, Gilmer Junior, Joseph Campbell "J.C.", and Harry Garrett; and her sister, Ann Wilbur. She is survived by her brothers, Thomas "Pete" of Virginia and Lowell Garrett of Texas; her sisters, Bess Garrett of Mountain City Rehab & Care Center, Mountain City, TN and Kathleen Perkins of Kentucky; her children, Henrietta Lee Argubright (husband Kent) and David Jenkins of New Mexico; her grandchildren, Amanda Heitritter (husband Wilfred) of California and Thomas Argubright of Texas; and her great-grandsons, Wilfred and Kane Heitritter of California. She is also survived by her many nieces, nephews and cousins. Madeline spent her youth attending school, helping her family on their farm and assisting in the raising of her siblings. Her jobs to help provide for the family included working in a garment factory and providing childcare for scientists who worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. After her marriage to Carl Jenkins in 1954, she traveled with him and their children to the many military bases he was stationed at throughout the world. During their stays at various bases, she raised their children and participated in the many activities afforded to the wives and children on base. When her husband was deployed to Vietnam, Madeline returned to her hometown to stay with her family. During this time, she continued to raise her children and provide childcare for her own children and others in the community. In 1980, Madeline, her husband Carl and son David moved to Albuquerque, NM to be close to her daughter Henrietta Lee and her new family. After her husband, Carl, passed away in 1986 from cardiac complications, she continued to provide care for her son and grandchildren. In December of 2008, Madeline moved from her home of 28 years into Elmcroft Nursing Home. She made friends in her community home that provided her with conversation during meals and friendship during activities. All of her friends at the home preceded her in death. Madeline continued to be an avid reader until her eyesight failed. Services will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37601. Interment will take place at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, TN. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in Madeline's name. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400