Shirley Bess Jenkins

Shirley Temple Bess Jenkins, 86, of Biscoe passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and caretakers on July 29, 2024. “Miss Shirley” was a larger-than-life presence in Montgomery County for decades. Shirley was born on February 5, 1938, in Gastonia, North Carolina, where her parents farmed and worked in the local textile mills. She graduated from Ashley High School in Gastonia, where her 6’0” height made her a standout in girls’ basketball.

After high school, Shirley attended Sacred Heart Nursing School at Mercy Hospital where she received her RN. She then attended Queens College in Charlotte, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

In 1960 she married the love of her life, Ingram Jenkins. While still living in Charlotte, she gave birth to “her two boys”: Walter I. “Butch” Jenkins III and James Hamilton “Jim” Jenkins. The family moved to Ingram’s hometown of Biscoe in 1966, where Ingram helped his father in the operation of Biscoe Drug Store. Shirley quickly became immersed in the community, becoming the first director of the nursing program at Montgomery Technical Institute (now MCC). She taught many local nurses and was always very proud of that program. She later taught Health Occupations at East Montgomery High School.

Shirley was always active in community programs and charities. She was President of the East Montgomery Boosters Club, on the board at Montgomery Memorial Hospital, active in Page Methodist Church and a fundraiser for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. She was a supporter of local first responders and raised the money for the flag pole and flag at city hall in honor of them after 9/11. Shirley was always active in Democratic politics and was a champion for those less fortunate than her. She will be remembered for her huge hugs and huge personality.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ingram Jenkins, her father and mother William Andrew Bess and Annie Jane Bess, and her siblings, Christine Bess Bryson, with whom she shared a very special bond, William Andrew Bess, Jr., Carl David Bess, Troy Warren Bess, and Priscilla Bess. She is also preceded in death by her Aunt Marie Hamilton and Uncle James Hamilton with whom she lived for part of her childhood.

She is survived by her sons Walter I. “Butch” Jenkins III (wife Nancy) of Biscoe and James Hamilton “Jim” Jenkins (wife Stephanie) of Pinehurst. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Walt Jenkins of Pinehurst, Katie Jenkins of Raleigh, Brittany Jenkins of Chapel Hill, Connor Jenkins of New York City and Andy Jenkins of Dallas, TX. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. Her niece Cindy McLamb of Gastonia has been especially close to Shirley over the years. She is also survived by her two dear friends, Becky Wallace and Mary Anderson.

Butch and Jim are extremely grateful to the wonderful caretakers who have brought joy and love to Shirley’s life. They are also grateful for the friends who have called and visited and brought a smile to Shirley’s face. Finally, they would like to express their gratitude to Dr. John Woodyear who consistently went beyond the call of duty to provide loving, compassionate care for their mom.

There will be a gravesite service at Biscoe Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, with the Reverend Larry Wilson officiating. Immediately following the service, guests are invited to join the family for a meal in the First Baptist Biscoe Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the sons ask that friends just reach out to someone who needs a friend.

Online condolences may be left at www.phillipsfh.com.

The Jenkins family is being served by Phillips Funeral Home in Star.