Jenkins Funeral Home

01/13/2026

James Ray Howard

James Ray Howard, 92, of Newton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Carolina Caring. He was born September 30, 1933, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Andrew and Birdie Mae Howard. James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life was guided by faith and love for his family. He honorably served his country in the United States Navy and carried that sense of duty throughout his life. A man of remarkable drive and...

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01/12/2026

At Family Pet Cremations, we provide 100% private cremation—your pet is the only one in the cremation chamber. No shared units. No dividers. The cremains you receive are truly your pet’s alone.

With over 50 years of funeral service experience and as pet owners ourselves, we understand the importance of dignity, trust, and closure. Once your pet is placed in our care, they are treated as our own.

01/11/2026

Prepare today for the things that come tomorrow. Let us help walk you through this process to find a plan that best suites your needs.

01/09/2026

Darcyne Kay Wendling

Darcyne Kay Wendling, 56, of Hickory passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Born, June 27th, 1969 she was the daughter of the late James Alfred Wendling and Sylvia Cartrette. She is survived by her son Steven Wendling (Skyla); and her sister Tammi Wendling Brown (Ronald). There are no services planned at this time. Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Wendling family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and...

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01/07/2026

Gertrude McClanahan

Gertrude Evelyn McClanahan, 92, of Vale died Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at her residence. Born July 22nd, 1933 she was the daughter of the late Russell and Jessie Holbrook. Her husband, Arvil McClanahan; her brother, Robert Holbrook; her sisters, Mabel Holbrook and Trudy Caudill; her grandsons, Larry Cox (Stacy), Arvil Scott McClanahan and Joshua Hoke Dohl; her granddaughter, Kayla Gray; her daughter-in-law, Kim McClanahan; four great-grandsons, Brandon Cox, Braxton Gray, Brody Dohl and Mason Dohl; three great-granddaughters, Jasmine Cox (Randall),...

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01/07/2026

Jenkins Funeral Home – 2025 Remembrance Tribute

We invite you to visit the link on our website to view a special remembrance video created in honor of our 2025 Remembrance Service, held on December 29, 2025. This video lovingly displays the names of the loved ones we have lost.

While this is not a recording of the service itself, it offers a meaningful moment to pause, reflect, and remember those who will always remain in our hearts.
👉 Click the link to view the remembrance tribute.
https://www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net/resources/remembrance-service

01/07/2026

Emily J. Swartz

It is with a heavy heart we announce Emily J. Swartz, 92, of Newton, NC passed away at the Catawba Valley Medical Center, Hickory, NC on Monday, January 5, 2026. Born in Portville, New York, on April 23, 1933, she was the daughter of the late William and Hilda Scott. She was a phone operator for Bell Telephone in Olean, NY, worked as a secretary for Dr. Paul Griffith in Clarion, PA, and volunteered for the Red Cross and the...

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01/06/2026

Robert Emmett Eckard

Robert Emmett Eckard, 84, of Hickory, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at his residence. Born June 11, 1941, in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Emmett Eckard and Katie Eckard. A lifelong resident of Catawba County, Robert designed and built the family home where he spent much of his life. Robert devoted his entire professional career to Lenoir-Rhyne College (now University), where he served for 40 years as a Spanish professor and Head of the Language...

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01/06/2026

Bill Clint Tester

Bill Clint Tester, 72, of Newton passed away Friday, January 2, 2026 at Carolina Caring. Born, November 28th, 1953 he was the son of Clint and Edith Tester. He was employed by Martin Marietta Rock Quarry for nearly 15 years and previously worked with Regency Home Fashions for over 20 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, traveling, cooking, camping, collecting, and was an active member of Startown First Baptist Church, where he especially loved singing in the choir. A devoted...

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01/05/2026

John Walter Wilkinson

John Walter Wilkinson, 70, of Maiden died Saturday, January 3, 2026 at the VA Medical Center in Salisbury. Born June 6th, 1955, he was the son of the late John Gilber and Anna Casey. His daughter, Chastity Hicks; two sons, John Wilkinson II (David) and Chad Wilkinson (Stefanie); his sister, Rita McCall (Clint) and six grandchildren, Rachel Wilson, Kodi Wilkinson, Bryson Costner, Allie Wilkinson, Aiden Wilkinson and Kaleb Costner survive him. In addition to his parents, his grandson, Logan Wilkinson...

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01/01/2026

As we welcome a new year, we extend our heartfelt wishes to our families, friends, and community. May the year ahead be filled with peace, hope, comfort, and new beginnings.

Thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you and serve you with compassion and care. We are truly grateful for the trust you place in us.

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and blessed New Year.

— Jenkins Funeral Home & Cremation Service

12/31/2025

Tamela Elizabeth Parker

Tamela Elizabeth Parker, 64, of Claremont died Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Carolina Caring Hospice House in Sherrill's Ford. Born July 22nd, 1961 she was the daughter of Robert and Bessie Testerman. Her brothers, Steven Testerman and Calvin Testerman (Rebca); eleven neices and nephews; fifteen great neices and nephews and three great-great neices and nephews surrvive her. In addition to her parents, her infant and her husband, Jimmy Lee Parker preceded her in death. No services are planned at this...

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