Marion G. Jenkins

Marion Gravlee Jenkins, 87, a resident of Vestavia Hills, Ala., died on May 28 surrounded by her daughters and grandchildren. Marion grew up in Mobile, Ala., where she married Clifford “Cliff” Douglas Jenkins, Jr. in 1954 before moving to Birmingham. They were married for more than 50 years and raised three daughters.

Marion was a true southern lady, well known for her wisdom about life and family. Her lovely demeanor and strong Christian faith allowed those around her to feel unconditional love and happiness in her presence.

Marion worked tirelessly to support her children and their passions. Her three daughters, Marion Jennifer Jenkins Northcutt of Vestavia Hills (married to Ben), Sandy Bowron Blalock of Mountain Brook (married to John), and Ashley Jenkins Uber of Atlanta (married to Paul), were her proudest accomplishments.

According to Ashley, “Mom would always say, ‘aren’t we blessed?’ when talking about her incredible grandchildren. ‘God is good, isn’t he?’ she always added.” Her first grandchild, Lauren Northcutt Thomason of Vestavia Hills (married to Michael), was born in August of 1985. Marion, known to her grandchildren as “Nonnie,” was ecstatic to become a grandmother. Just last August, Lauren gave birth to Nonnie’s first great-grandchild, Madison Grace Thomason. Two days later, Blakely Bowron Taylor of Mountain Brook (married to Riley Hill), welcomed her second great-grandchild, Riley Hill Taylor, Jr.

Nonnie’s grandchildren include: Lauren Northcutt Thomason of Vestavia Hills; Blakely Bowron Taylor of Mountain Brook; Harold Alfred Bowron IV of San Diego, Calif.; William Benjamin Northcutt III of Vestavia Hills (married to Whitney); Lillian “Lily” Wakefield Bowron of Mountain Brook; Jack Coleman Uber of Atlanta, Ga.; and Margaret Grace Uber of Atlanta, Ga.

She is survived by her sister, Harriet “Bookie” Gravlee McNeely of Mobile. Her brother, William “Bill” Edward Gravlee of Australia, died in 1997. Her beloved mother was Harriet “Mimi” Coleman Gravlee and gave Marion her love of people, music, dance, flowers and animals. Her father, Dr. Isaac Marion Gravlee, was the founder and chief of the Radiology Department at Mobile Infirmary.

Growing up in Mobile, Marion attended Leinkauf Elementary School and Murphy High School. Her love of horses inspired her to ride in the “Bit and Spur” junior rider class. In 1947, Marion made her debut and was a member of the Carnival Court where she was escorted by the late Tommy McCowan, her beloved friend. Marion was also queen of the Azalea Trail Court.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 31, at the Cathedral Church of the Advent located at 2017 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Visitation is at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Homewood, Ala., or the Cathedral Church of the Advent.

Marion will be missed by her three daughters, three son-in-laws, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She will be reunited in heaven with her husband, Cliff; her mother, Harriet; her father, Isaac; her brother, Bill; her son-in-law, Harold; her brother-in-law, Basil; and her beloved dogs, Barney; Dixie Belle; and Sky High.