Margaret Diane Maddox-Jenkins

Margaret Diane Maddox Jenkins of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, at Novant Hospital at the age of 81. Born on February 7, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Margaret and James Maddox, Diane grew up in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, alongside her older sister Jeannie and younger brother Jimmy. Her grandfather, Reverend Carroll Maddox, was a Methodist minister in Baltimore, Maryland, and Diane’s faith remained a guiding light throughout her life. Wherever she lived, she found a church that nourished and challenged her—often sitting joyfully in the front pew.

Diane pursued higher education with passion, studying human relations and organizational behavior at the University of San Francisco, counseling psychology at the University of Notre Dame de Namur, and further counseling psychology studies at West Chester University. She later earned her Master’s degree and became a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Professional, practicing in both Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Her professional life in human resources and organizational development spanned several decades and three major chapters. She enjoyed a long and distinguished career with United Airlines, working in reservations, customer service, airport operations analysis, and human resources, including supporting the airline’s aircraft maintenance division in San Francisco. She later advanced to Senior Staff Representative in HR and then to corporate director of human resources at ABM Industries. She rounded out her corporate career as a human resources leader with the insurance giant AIG.

After retiring from corporate life, Diane fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming a counselor. She worked with Life Counseling Services, established her own private practice (including telehealth during and after Covid), and found deep joy in helping others heal and grow.

Her dedication to service extended far beyond the workplace: she volunteered as a greeter and counselor at a Billy Graham Crusade in San Jose, California -- where she met her husband, Jerry Jenkins (a friend had even told her beforehand she would meet her husband there). They married on November 6, 1998, and shared life together in California, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. Diane also volunteered at hospice facilities, led Celebrate Recovery groups in Pennsylvania, and co-led women’s Bible study groups in North Carolina.

Diane had a wonderful sense of humor, never met a stranger, and cultivated new circles of friends while cherishing lifelong ones. She loved her pets—especially her beloved Havanese dogs, whom she spoiled with joy. Her energy was contagious, and she walked at a pace that challenged anyone beside her. She left a lasting imprint of love on everyone she encountered.

Diane is survived by her husband, Jerry Jenkins; her son-in-law Jerry Jr. (Amy) and three grandchildren: Charlie (CJ), Jack, and Jenna. She is also survived by her brother Jimmy Maddox (Nancy); her nephews Jim Burris aka Jamie (Cathy), Michael Burris (Sara), James Maddox III (Sandra); her niece Jody Maddox; as well as three grandnieces and one grandnephew.

She was predeceased by her parents, Margaret and James Maddox; her sister Carol Jean Maddox Burris (Jeannie); and her brother-in-law Charles “Butch” Burris.

Diane’s family, friends, and community will remember her as a woman full of life, faith, and compassion—one who gave generously of herself and left a legacy of love.

One of her Bible study members reflected: “She meant a lot to us. Diane was full of life; it was an honor to call her my friend. She will be missed but left a print of love on each of our hearts.”

Visitation will be held at McEwen Funeral Service – Mint Hill Chapel, located at 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, on December 12, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.