Marlene Kay Jenkins, age 87, of Keeling, Va., after a 13-year battle with sepsis, infections, and mobility issues passed away peacefully with her son and daughter at her side at the Kindred Hospital, Greensboro, N.C., on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. Marlene was born in NYC on Dec. 23, 1934. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Kay and Dorothy Kay Woodall. Marlene graduated from Gloucester High School in May 1952 and married Donald Jenkins on June 4, 1952. They were married in the Chapel at the Naval Mine Depot in Yorktown, Virginia. A short time later, Donald joined the Marine Corps and was shipped to Korea. Marlene stayed with the family in Gloucester until he came home. During the 1960s through the 1980s, Marlene and Donald owned and operated several businesses. They owned and operated an antique store and gas station in Yorktown. They also operated a fishing business. Marlene managed a 7-Eleven in Williamsburg for almost a decade. Marlene and Donald lived in Gloucester and Williamsburg until 1994 when she and Donald moved to Keeling. She and Donald developed 16 acres of land and created a home for her mother. Marlene and Donald lived on the property and enjoyed the freedom and privacy of rural life. Marlene cared for her mother for 12 years until she passed in 2006. Marlene accepted and managed the daily challenges. She treated her mother with love and respect—the same love and respect she has shown her entire family over the years. The family extends its gratitude to the caregivers including her caregiver of eight years, Victoria Nava, who have supported and comforted Marlene over her long illness. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Pamela Jenkins (Karen Adkins), and son, Donald Jenkins Jr.; sister, Dorothy Goodridge; sisters-in-law, Lounette Evans, Cecilia Napier, and feline friend “Minnie.” A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, at 2 p.m. in Rosewell Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Gloucester, conducted by Pastor Arthur Wolz. Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home & Crematory.