Mary Lou Jenkins

Mary Lou Marquess Jenkins, 92, of Grafton, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 17, 2025, surrounded by love and care. She was born on April 22, 1933, in Grafton, the daughter of the late James Kenneth and Mabel Juanita Jacobs Marquess.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hobert Jackson Jenkins, who passed in May 2008. The two were married on April 19, 1952, and shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and family for more than five decades.

A proud graduate of Grafton High School, Class of 1951, Mary devoted many years of her life to her craft as a talented seamstress, working at Grafton Apparel Manufacturing Co. (the Shirt Factory) and later at sewing factories in Morgantown and Terra Alta. Her skilled hands and eye for detail brought beauty and usefulness to everything she made.

Mary found joy in the simple pleasures of life—sewing, preparing for hunting and fishing trips throughout West Virginia and Ohio, and taking any chance she could to travel. Whether it was a short day trip or a long-anticipated vacation, she cherished every adventure.

Her kitchen was filled with warmth, laughter, and the sweet aromas of her home-cooked dishes, always made with love to share with family and friends. But more than anything, Mary treasured her time with her family. She delighted in gatherings filled with stories, laughter, and memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of love and family. She is survived by her four children, Dawn Jenkins Keener Menear (Allen), Kenneth Jackson (Jack) Jenkins (Deborah), Catherine (Cathy) Summers, and George Edgar Jenkins; sisters, Virginia Cochran and Loretta Bailey; step sisters, Barbara Johnson, Sharon Kay Fant, Patricia Ford, and Eva Sue Guthrie (Mark); grandchildren, Kelly Keener Westerman (Brian), Steven Keener (Renee), Kristie Stewart (Larry) and Terry Jenkins (Elizabeth); step-granddaughter, Tiffany Ship; great-grandchildren, Tavia, Justice (Mikayla), Zadok, Anthony (Frances), Alex (Jordyn), Siera (Skylar), and Keagan, Parker; step great grandchildren, Aiden, Mason, Layne, and Raylynn; and great-great-granddaughter, Rozalyn “Roz.” and great- great grandson, Sawyer; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Veronica Jenkins; grandson, George Carroll Jenkins; step brothers, Richard Marquess and William Bruce Marquess; and her sister, Alma Jean Marquess.

Family and friends will be received at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Ave., Grafton, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM and Monday October 20, 2025 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM the hour of the funeral with Pastor Amy Morrow and Susan Guthrie officiating. Interment will follow at Woodsdale Memorial Park. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com. Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jenkins family.

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