Celebrating the life of
Dorothy Cromley Jenkins
June 19, 1919 - March 31, 2008
Dorothy Cromley Jenkins died at her home on March 31, 2008, after an illness of several months.
Born June 15, 1919, in Brooklet, Georgia, Dorothy was the daughter of William Chapman and Myrtle Robertson Cromley. She graduated from Brooklet High School and South Georgia Teachers College. She received one of the first Master of Education degrees offered at Georgia Southern College and did further post-graduate studies at Duke University, George Washington University, University of Georgia, and in England.
Dorothy is survived by her two daughters and their husbands, Anne and Billy Clifton of Statesboro, and Jenny and Mike Zagariello of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. Three grandchildren, Lori Steve Conway of Atlanta, Brant Angie Clifton of Statesboro, and Abigail Zagariello of Boone, North Carolina as well as three great-grandchildren, Zach and Anna Clifton and Cecilia Conway also survive. She is survived by her sister, Mary Cromley Jeffords of Sylvester, Georgia, and a number of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families. Her niece, Judy Wesley Krulic, of Savannah was her local caregiver. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest J. Jenkins, her son, John Joseph Jenkins, and her brother William C. Cromley.
Dorothy spent her entire career as an educator. After teaching a number of years in both independent and public schools she became Lower School Principal of Savannah Country Day School in 1959, a position she held until her retirement in 1987. She was highly honored during her tenure as principal by having a building at the school named Jenkins Hall.
Dorothy lived in the historic district of downtown Savannah for over thirty years. She was presented an award in 2005 by Historic Savannah Foundation for her efforts to maintain her downtown home and garden as well as her support of historic preservation in Savannah. She was a member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, the Fellowship Sunday School Class, the Downtown Garden Club, and the Humane Society. She was known for her daily walks around the downtown area and for tending her garden to the enjoyment of tourists and locals alike. She enjoyed her long association with her faculty and staff of Savannah Country Day School, her neighbors and friends, and most of all, her loving and devoted family. She will be fondly remembered by her former students who were fortunate enough to come under her instruction, supervision, and guidance.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the Dorothy C. Jenkins Faculty Development Fund at Savannah Country Day School, 824 Stillwood Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31419
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 2, 2008 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors Hodgson Chapel.
Private Graveside services will be in the Brooklet City Cemetery.
Memorial Services will be Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 4 p.m. at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church.
I was always amazed that Mrs. Jenkins could still remember my name and the names of my children long after they had graduated from SCDS. She was a special lady and will be missed by all who knew her.
- Dotsie Dewberry, , GA
Dear Jenny, Mike, and Abby, My prayers go out to you on the loss of a dear mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. May they assuage your grief. Her memory will always be with you.
- Anna Claudio, Maplewood, NJ
When I think of Lower School I always think of Mrs. Jenkins. Her peppermints, halloween time when she literally 'let her hair down', and her smile. Years after retiring she still remembered her students names. What a special woman. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. SCDS Class of 1995
- Karen Lubeck Smith, , GA
I will always remember and love Mrs. Jenkins. She was such a great lady! I remember as a child taking her a handful of violets every Spring. To this day, violets make me think of her. I even planted some in my garden years ago because of those good memories! She made everyone feel special - and valued. I feel so lucky to have known her, and miss her already.
- Lisa Tribble Allen, Macon, GA
Heaven has gained a wonderful educator and a real lady - we have lost Dorothy. She was a devoted member of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society for many years. I always loved sitting next to her at meetings - she was so interesting to converse with and was interested in everything. She loved to talk about her garden and her downtown little house. I enjoyed visiting with her while on the Sunshine committee for Delta Kappa Gamma. What a Lovely Lady! We lost 2 wonderful women educators this week - Dorothy and Connie Houston. Both will be missed by all. God bless the family. How wonderful to be related to Dorothy - she was one of a kind! Kathy Looper
- Kathy Looper, Tybee Island, GA
You will be greatly missed by everyone here in savannah. I can still remember going into the office when I was sick and you would always give me a peppermint and send me back to class. I graduated in 1992 from SCDS and to this day I would see you around Savnnah and you would always remember me. What a wonderful gift you were to SCDS. My heart goes out to your family. Love, Holly Irick Class of 1992
- Holly Irick, Savannah, GA
Dorothy exhibited such zest and compassion for life. It is evident that these gifts have been bestowed upon her daughter, Jenny and her granddaughter, Abigail. Jenny, Mike and Abigail, We are truly sorry for your loss. We know you will find comfort in the memories you have all made together.
- Tummarello Family, Verona, NJ
What a remarkable woman she was. I have some of my best grade school memories of Mrs. Jenkins. We all looked up to her and loved her. She will live on in many of us for many, many years. My heart goes out to all of the family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
- Cackie Miller Alley, Pleasant Garden, NC
Mrs. Jenkins, what a wonderful spirited lady you are! You were my elementary school principal years ago and I can still here that wonderful laugh of yours! You will be missed here on earth, but I will see you in heaven! May God's peace be with your family. Love, Ruthie SCDS '89
- Ruthie Mitchell Bagnal, Morgantown, PA
Jenny, Mike, and Abbie, We are so sorry for your loss. Knowing what a wonderful person you are, Jenny, and what a terrific family you have, we know your Mom must have been a remarkable woman. Are hearts and prayers are with you and we hope soon your thoughts only linger on the happy memories.
- John Bylancik and Family, Verona, NJ
It looks as though the apple didn't fall far from the tree in your family too! I would have enjoyed knowing her. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts are with you and your family in the days and weeks ahead. Fondly,
- Nancy & Luis Pi-Sunyer, Montclair, NJ
Dear Jenny, Mike & Abbie, We hope the love and strength of your family gets you through this very difficult time, and that wonderful times with your mom will fill your memories often. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Fondly , Jane & Ken Smith and Family
- The Smith Family, Verona, NJ
I have known Dorothy for most of my life - there are so many memories that I will hold close to my heart. You are loved and will be missed. Love, Alia
- Alia, Savannah, GA
We did not know your mother, but knowing you as our neighbor, our thoughts are with you today. God Bless your family in this hour of comfort and needs.
- Latrell & Lila Youmans, Statesboro, GA
Dear Jenny, My heart goes out to you and your family in the loss of such a wonderful mother and friend to all. Mrs. Jenkins made such an impression on me as my 1st grade teacher, lower school principal and forever friend and cheerleader. She was so loving and encouraged all of us to do our best and comforted us when we didn't. Her ever present smile and grace warms me to this day in my memories of her. She will be greatly missed and we share your sorrow. Love you, Helen Triol Drozd
- Helen Triol Drozd, Morganton, NC
So many memories we enjoy, so many hours we spent together, so many celebrations and trips shared, so much love we have for you, and now your memory. A strong, wonderful loving person and dear friend to so many, full of life and its good things. Dorothy will be forever missed.
- Ginger and Jerry Caplan, Savannah, GA
Dear Jenny, Mike, Abigail, Words just won't express what your mother meant to me, and what she meant to Savannah Country Day School. Even in her darkest hours when Johnny died and later when your father passed away, she 'soldiered on,' never letting her grief interfere with her mission to get all 'her children' educated, loved, and valued. The Jenkins family and the Triol family go way back, and now the mantle has been passed. I can't tell you I'm comfortable with the tremendous legacy we have been left. I can tell you that I will be there for you all, whenever and however you need me. Isn't that just the lesson we were meant to learn? With my love, Debbe
- Debbe Perry, Morganton, NC
Dear Jenny, I am very saddened to hear about the loss of your mother. She was always so kind and inspirational to me, and I will remember her most fondly. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Love, Nancy
- Nancy Virginia Lewis, New York, NY
How can one forget the Witch at Halloween, the peppermints when you got hurt on the playground, the Walker and Gardener in her little white house, the Storyteller who always knew your name? We will miss her. She will be forever in our family's hearts.
- Helen and Murray Marshall, Savannah, GA
I was always amazed that Mrs. Jenkins could still remember my name and the names of my children long after they had graduated from SCDS. She was a special lady and will be missed by all who knew her.
- Dotsie Dewberry, , GA
Dear Jenny, Mike, and Abby, My prayers go out to you on the loss of a dear mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. May they assuage your grief. Her memory will always be with you.
- Anna Claudio, Maplewood, NJ
When I think of Lower School I always think of Mrs. Jenkins. Her peppermints, halloween time when she literally 'let her hair down', and her smile. Years after retiring she still remembered her students names. What a special woman. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. SCDS Class of 1995
- Karen Lubeck Smith, , GA
I will always remember and love Mrs. Jenkins. She was such a great lady! I remember as a child taking her a handful of violets every Spring. To this day, violets make me think of her. I even planted some in my garden years ago because of those good memories! She made everyone feel special - and valued. I feel so lucky to have known her, and miss her already.
- Lisa Tribble Allen, Macon, GA
Heaven has gained a wonderful educator and a real lady - we have lost Dorothy. She was a devoted member of Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society for many years. I always loved sitting next to her at meetings - she was so interesting to converse with and was interested in everything. She loved to talk about her garden and her downtown little house. I enjoyed visiting with her while on the Sunshine committee for Delta Kappa Gamma. What a Lovely Lady! We lost 2 wonderful women educators this week - Dorothy and Connie Houston. Both will be missed by all. God bless the family. How wonderful to be related to Dorothy - she was one of a kind! Kathy Looper
- Kathy Looper, Tybee Island, GA
You will be greatly missed by everyone here in savannah. I can still remember going into the office when I was sick and you would always give me a peppermint and send me back to class. I graduated in 1992 from SCDS and to this day I would see you around Savnnah and you would always remember me. What a wonderful gift you were to SCDS. My heart goes out to your family. Love, Holly Irick Class of 1992
- Holly Irick, Savannah, GA
Dorothy exhibited such zest and compassion for life. It is evident that these gifts have been bestowed upon her daughter, Jenny and her granddaughter, Abigail. Jenny, Mike and Abigail, We are truly sorry for your loss. We know you will find comfort in the memories you have all made together.
- Tummarello Family, Verona, NJ
What a remarkable woman she was. I have some of my best grade school memories of Mrs. Jenkins. We all looked up to her and loved her. She will live on in many of us for many, many years. My heart goes out to all of the family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
- Cackie Miller Alley, Pleasant Garden, NC
Mrs. Jenkins, what a wonderful spirited lady you are! You were my elementary school principal years ago and I can still here that wonderful laugh of yours! You will be missed here on earth, but I will see you in heaven! May God's peace be with your family. Love, Ruthie SCDS '89
- Ruthie Mitchell Bagnal, Morgantown, PA
Jenny, Mike, and Abbie, We are so sorry for your loss. Knowing what a wonderful person you are, Jenny, and what a terrific family you have, we know your Mom must have been a remarkable woman. Are hearts and prayers are with you and we hope soon your thoughts only linger on the happy memories.
- John Bylancik and Family, Verona, NJ
It looks as though the apple didn't fall far from the tree in your family too! I would have enjoyed knowing her. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts are with you and your family in the days and weeks ahead. Fondly,
- Nancy & Luis Pi-Sunyer, Montclair, NJ
Dear Jenny, Mike & Abbie, We hope the love and strength of your family gets you through this very difficult time, and that wonderful times with your mom will fill your memories often. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Fondly , Jane & Ken Smith and Family
- The Smith Family, Verona, NJ
I have known Dorothy for most of my life - there are so many memories that I will hold close to my heart. You are loved and will be missed. Love, Alia
- Alia, Savannah, GA
We did not know your mother, but knowing you as our neighbor, our thoughts are with you today. God Bless your family in this hour of comfort and needs.
- Latrell & Lila Youmans, Statesboro, GA
Dear Jenny, My heart goes out to you and your family in the loss of such a wonderful mother and friend to all. Mrs. Jenkins made such an impression on me as my 1st grade teacher, lower school principal and forever friend and cheerleader. She was so loving and encouraged all of us to do our best and comforted us when we didn't. Her ever present smile and grace warms me to this day in my memories of her. She will be greatly missed and we share your sorrow. Love you, Helen Triol Drozd
- Helen Triol Drozd, Morganton, NC
So many memories we enjoy, so many hours we spent together, so many celebrations and trips shared, so much love we have for you, and now your memory. A strong, wonderful loving person and dear friend to so many, full of life and its good things. Dorothy will be forever missed.
- Ginger and Jerry Caplan, Savannah, GA
Dear Jenny, Mike, Abigail, Words just won't express what your mother meant to me, and what she meant to Savannah Country Day School. Even in her darkest hours when Johnny died and later when your father passed away, she 'soldiered on,' never letting her grief interfere with her mission to get all 'her children' educated, loved, and valued. The Jenkins family and the Triol family go way back, and now the mantle has been passed. I can't tell you I'm comfortable with the tremendous legacy we have been left. I can tell you that I will be there for you all, whenever and however you need me. Isn't that just the lesson we were meant to learn? With my love, Debbe
- Debbe Perry, Morganton, NC
Dear Jenny, I am very saddened to hear about the loss of your mother. She was always so kind and inspirational to me, and I will remember her most fondly. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Love, Nancy
- Nancy Virginia Lewis, New York, NY
How can one forget the Witch at Halloween, the peppermints when you got hurt on the playground, the Walker and Gardener in her little white house, the Storyteller who always knew your name? We will miss her. She will be forever in our family's hearts.
- Helen and Murray Marshall, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
