Elizabeth Leigh Jenkins

Leigh Jenkins passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024. She was 51 years old. Leigh was born in Columbia, SC on October 7, 1974, to Lynn MacLellan and James Wilson Jenkins.

As the baby of a “his, hers, ours” family, she was always carefree and loved life. She was the connection that blended the family and brought them all together. She graduated from Lamar County High School in Barnesville, GA where she was the life of the party; a trait that followed her throughout her life. Being raised by two educators Leigh never gave up on getting her college degree. She finished in 2014 with a degree in Business Administration from Reinhardt University.

Her most recent job was her favorite, primarily because she loved her co-workers dearly. She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens, GA as a Patient Access Registrar. In this role, she was successful in making patients feel welcome and important. Her gregarious personality was her greatest asset in making heavy things feel light. Humor was her way of dealing with life. Jokes and laughter followed her around like a puppy. This endeared her to her coworkers and patients alike.

Leigh had a beautiful singing voice and most recently was a member of the Classic City Community Chorus. She loved music. Singing brought her joy whether it was “official” or singing in the car driving down the road with the windows down. Cheering, like singing, was one of her favorite things. Of course, living and working in the Athens area required her to be an avid UGA fan. She pulled for the Dawgs no matter what. A natural cheerleader, she used her voice to pull for her team…loudly.

But even more than her team, Leigh fiercely loved her family. She was known to threaten to quit any job that did not allow her to attend family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her favorite places were on Lake Keowee with her brother and his family, or the beach at Pawleys Island with her sister and her family. Being on or near the water brought her peace. She relaxed and her laughter carried across the waves no matter where she was.

Leigh included her cats as family members. She dearly loved them and made sure they were always well taken care of. Shopping for gifts for family and friends was a sport for Leigh. It allowed her generous spirit to shine. Friends reciprocated by providing her with enough cat paraphernalia to fill a museum. She had quite a collection. Her compassionate heart extended to all creatures, human or animal.

She is now dancing (another love of hers) with her father again. She is at peace. Her body is no longer holding her back and her pain is gone. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include: mother- Lynn MacLellan Jenkins of Hull, GA; sister- Cheryl Guy and husband Stan of Pawleys Island, SC; brother- Stephen Jenkins and wife Melinda of Salem, SC; sister-Michelle Laird and husband Keith McGage of Winder, GA; Nephews and Nieces- Joseph Guy and partner Christina Ferrari of Mauldin, SC; Marilyn Guy of Athens, GA; Sarah Clarke and husband Ryan of Easley, SC; James Jenkins and wife Erin of Carlsbad, CA.

Proceeded in death by her father-James Wilson Jenkins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can me be made to St. Mary’s Foundation to honor her love of her work. https://www.stmaryshealthcaresystem.org/foundation/st-marys-foundation

Visitation will be held at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, Athens, on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com