Sallie Jarman Lee Jenkins

A life well lived, rich with all of the thrills of living: love, joy, disappointment, pain, laughter, suffering, work, and giving, bears witness to the legacy of Sallie Lee Jenkins, formerly known as Sallie Jarman and Sallie Lee.

Born September 13, 1922, Sallie Lee Jarman was the first of fourteen children of the late Roscoe Jarman and Ethel Stephens Jarman of Onslow County, a farming family. She attended school in rural Richlands, North Carolina where she and her siblings walked three miles to school which included crossing a creek. Sallie recalled memories of those walks sharing that in the harsh winters, she would have icicles hanging from her hair when they arrived.

At the tender age of 16, she married her love, Elvin Lee, Sr. Together they established a family full with the excitement and busyness of six children. Their children were raised in the discipline of the switch yielding productive and respectable adults. Sallie and Elvin enjoyed loving each other until his unexpected death, in 1968. The produce of their marriage allowed Sallie the privilege of holding 20 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and 30 great-great grandchildren in her heart and in her arms. Sallie was blessed to love again and be loved by her late husband, Cleve Jenkins, from 1976-2009, when Cleve passed.

Preceded in death by her parents and widowed twice, Sallie also experienced the losses of: Robert Lee (son) and Carol Lee Stallings (daughter); Robert Stallings, Pete Murphrey and Harvey Rouse, Sr. (son- in-laws); Anthony Lee (grandson); Ann Lee (great granddaughter); Jaxson McLawhorn (great-great grandson) and eight of her siblings.

For as long as she had the means to do so, Sallie gave a simple Christmas gift to each of her children, grands, and the “greats”. It was always important to her to send birthday cards to each, including those whom she acquired by marriage. She was purposeful to impress upon them their significance to her. Sallie was faithful and loyal to her own personal ministry of family first.

She wore her many titles with pride and treasured the names Mama, Mother, and Grandma Lee. In her 101 years on this earth, she enjoyed a multi-generational family that is currently 398 living members strong among her siblings and their offspring. She loved their large family gatherings and the family has sustained the tradition of reuniting annually for many years. Sallie’s children remember her as honest, candid, and enduring, often heard singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” while she cooked. Her grands cannot recall her being upset even expressing that she did not complain and always displayed grace. Her great grands share that she was genuine and loved without limits. They all rise and call her blessed.

Remaining to cherish the memories of her love are her children Elvin Lee, Jr and wife Cathy, Sally Ann Lee Rouse, Betty Lee Murphrey, Brenda Lee Robinson and husband Tony, Daughter-in-law, Glenda Lee; grands, greats and great-greats; and her siblings.

How does one live to be a healthy and spry 101 years old? Sallie answered by example. She ate a banana every day. She loved her Lord and devoutly practiced her faith. She forgave. She did not park in pity or pain though she had many opportunities to, rather she chose to find joy in every day. She was kind and she loved well. She carefully chose to have a merry heart. These personal decisions led her to a full and long life. Sallie overcame cancers of the breast, stomach, uterus, lymphoma, and skin at various stages of her life. She never slowed down. She lived independently, remaining active until a fall in September 2023 demanded assistance. She was vibrant and contributing with her loved ones until 3 days before her reward of passing into Eternity to her Savior, Jesus Christ on December 24, 2023.

All that knew Sallie are a witness to her example, having lovingly expressed fond memories and warm words of encouragement. It would most honor her for all that she influenced to continue her legacy of faith, love, forgiveness, and being intentionally present in the mundane and simple moments of life. Live, laugh, and love with gratitude. Know Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Craven County Hospice in her name, Sallie Lee Jenkins.

The family will receive condolences at Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern on Sunday, December 31, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A service in her honor will begin at 2:00 pm in the chapel, followed by burial in Trenton Cemetery in her hometown of 85 years in Trenton, North Carolina.

Cotten Funeral Home is truly honored to serve the family and friends of Sallie Lee Jarman Jenkins.