1950-2026
Marthelma Irene Jenkins, age 75, passed away at home surrounded by her family Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Irene was born in DeWitt on November 1, 1950, the third of eight children born to Johnny Carroll Marthelma Fisher McFerrin.
Irene married Johnny Jenkins on March 8, 1974, and they had one child together, Joanie.
In 1996, Irene became a Mamaw for the first time when her first grandchild, Tyler, was born. Being called Mamaw was her favorite name. Her grandchildren Matthew and Haley came along and added to her joy. Her grandchildren were her favorite part of life. Just when she thought life couldn't be any better, she was blessed with great grandchildren. Although her health was declining and she could not play as much as she wanted, watching Carly and Caroline play was her favorite thing to do.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Paul, Richard, and Jerry McFerrin, and her sisters Betty Bates and Myreta McFerrin.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Johnny of Roe, daughter Joanie (Todd) Smith of Roe, grandchildren Tyler (Ashley) Smith of Stuttgart, Matthew Smith and Haley Smith of Roe, great grandchildren Carly and Caroline Smith of Stuttgart, brother Donnie McFerrin of Stuttgart, sister Frances Fry of DeWit, her bonus daughter Tammy Hyde of Oklahoma, bonus grandchildren Shayann (Mike) Singh of California and Joshua (Cara) Hyde of Oklahoma, bonus great grandchildren Ethan and Gabriel Hyde of California and Brayden, Bethany, and Bailey Hyde of Oklahoma, and many other family and friends.
Funeral services will be 2:00p.m. Monday, March 9, 20026 at Essex Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Roe Cemetery.
