Hazel Blanche Jenkins, 91, Bena, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 12, 2015 as she passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Hazel was a lifelong Bena resident born Jan. 22, 1924 to the late Frank and Lillian Smith. She was the third child of a large family of 12. On Nov. 14, 1944 at the age of 20 she married her soulmate, James Edgar “Buster” Jenkins and together they embarked on many adventures, her proudest being her family.

Hazel was baptized in the York River by Pastor Creesy as a very young woman. She had been God’s faithful servant every day since. She attended Bethlehem United Methodist for many years, never missing a Sunday. Her faith was as strong and pure as she was. She lived a life that was full of love and laughter. To know her was to love her.

If the sun was shining, she could be found among her flower gardens. Until only months ago she was doing what she loved best, digging, planting and enjoying the bounty of blooms that her hard work had yielded. All left behind are comforted to know that her days in the sun have just begun.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lillian Smith; beloved husband, James Edgar “Buster” Jenkins; infant son, James Jenkins Jr.; infant great-grandson, Jonathon Quick; a host of sisters and brothers, and many dear friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory her adored children: daughter, Theresa Jenkins Kounse; sons, James E. Jenkins III and wife Crystal, and Cary E. Jenkins; granddaughter and best friend, Ashley Singleton and husband Steve; granddaughters, Eboney Quick and fiancé Nick Talbot, Mary Lou Bakewell and fiancé Chad Sumner, Marina and Selena Jenkins, and Jourdan Kounse Doss and husband James; grandsons, James Horsley, Zack Kounse and Jessie Jenkins; sisters, Thelma Oliver and Rose Lollis; brother, Francis Smith;  as well as 11 great-grandchildren to include Mackenzie Quick, whom she loved dearly.

Funeral service conducted by the Rev. Bill West and the Rev. Carol Bookwalter will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Bena. Interment will follow in Gloucester Point Cemetery. The family received friends Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point.

Family and friends may share condolences and memories at www.hoggfh.com.