Mildred Jenkins Gardner's Obituary
Mildred Jenkins Gardner, age 99, of Finleyville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 27, 2021.
Mildred is survived by her beloved daughter, Ruth (Chris) Volk; sister, Marjorie Neumann; grandchildren, Kimberly Volk Nason, Christopher (Lauren) Volk and Nichole Terrant: great-grandchildren, Lily Nason, Tyler Nason, Hunter Volk and Amelia Volk; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Monroe and Edna Susanna Jenkins; husband, Walter L. Simpson; son, James H. Simpson; siblings, Harold (Marguerite) Jenkins, Helen (Ralph) Doughty and Robert (Connie) Jenkins.
Mildred was the embodiment of strength, dignity, and faith. Mildred was the oldest of five children to her Methodist Minster parents, Harry “Monroe” and Edna Jenkins. Mildred served the Lord and her family as an organist and singer at the various churches where her father ministered. Mildred lovingly took on the role of caregiver to her younger siblings and assisted her family to survive The Great Depression. This experience assuredly shaped Mildred’s appreciation for the blessings in her life, as well as the strength to confront the many difficulties and adversity she encountered in her almost 100 years on this Earth. Mildred embarked on her college career at Taylor University, however, resigned from her educational pursuit to return home and assist her family during WWII.
Mildred met and married the love of her life, Walter Simpson in 1947. Mildred and Walter were blessed with two children, Jim and Ruth. Tragically, Walter’s life was cut all too short, and he passed away after he and Mildred were married for 10 years. Mildred was then widowed with 2 children under the age of 6. Mildred worked as a bookkeeper, raised her two children, and cared for her elderly parents with grace. The support of the tight-knit community of Finleyville provided support for Mildred, Ruth and Jim, and has ever been “Home” in Mildred’s heart.
Mildred’s warm and maternal nature organically led her to be the matriarch of the Jenkins family. She loved, and was loved by her siblings, their spouses, her nieces and nephews, and her pride and joys- her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mildred was the quintessence of a loving grandmother, spending countless hours baking, reading, playing soccer, playing barbies, and cross-stitched hundreds of pieces of doll house furniture for her grandchildren and great-nieces. Mildred’s beautiful dollhouse furniture remains shared with each new generation. Mildred’s strong faith had her prepared to enter the Lord’s eternal kingdom for a very, very, long time. However, the news of expecting each new great-grandchild fueled Mildred to survive and share her love with her precious great-grandbabies, Lily, Tyler, Hunter and Amelia.
Despite living to 99 years and 11 months old, Mildred’s memory and mind remained sharp. To Mildred’s dying day, she served as the keeper of all family memories, birth dates, and family stories. Her treasure of stories and information will be as missed as her loving smile.
Mildred remained faithful and served the Church for all her life and was a warm and familiar face in the pews at Unity Presbyterian Church (formerly Wallace Memorial Church) for over three decades.
Mildred now rests, without pain and has been reunited with her many family members waiting for her at Heaven’s Gate.
Friends will be received on Friday, September 3rd from 3-8 P.M. at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 301 Curry Hollow Rd., Pleasant Hills, 15236.
A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, September 4th at 10 A.M. at Unity Presbyterian Church, 1146 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. Please meet at church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mildred's name to The Salvation Army at salvationarmyusa.org
Condolences may be left at www.jeffersonmemorial.com
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