Mrs. Lillian May Jenkins, age 94, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Gordon Health and Rehab, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 13, 1930, in Murray County, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd B. and Kate Mallett Pratt. Lillian was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Alton "Big Al" Gentry, grandson Chassey Brafford, and siblings Charles Thomas "Tom" Pratt, Juanita and Les Abrahamson, Faye Pratt, Peggy Dyer, and Betty and Harold Sowder.

A woman of deep faith and unwavering devotion, Lillian was a lifelong member of The Church of God of The Union Assembly, where she found immense joy in her connection to her church community. Her love for her family was boundless, and she recently celebrated seventy-seven years of marriage with her beloved husband, Samuel Floyd Jenkins, Sr., on September 27, 2024.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Samuel Floyd Jenkins, Sr., and her children: Samuel Floyd Jenkins, Jr., of Dalton, GA; Marlene Jenkins of Denver, NC; Donna E. Gentry and Rena Brafford both of Dalton, GA. Lillian also leaves behind her brother, James Pratt of Cedar Bluff, AL; grandchildren, LaDane and Beatrice Gentry, Joel and Megan Gentry, Denetra and Shane Sowder, Ashley McBrayer, Charlon and Rachelle Brafford, Torey Brafford, Jeston Brafford, Kevin Brafford, and Jillian Brafford; great-grandchildren, Devin and Bailey Gentry, Andrew Sowder, Adam Sowder, Maddox McBrayer, Owen McBrayer, Audrey McBrayer, Isla Gentry, Keaton Brafford, Torey Brafford, Jr., Landen Brafford, Jaydon Brafford, Jullie Brafford, Jazmin Vance, Elijah Brafford, Grace Brafford, Faith Brafford, and Jeston Brafford; great-great-grandchildren, Collins Gentry, Halston Gentry, and Knox Gentry; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Lillian's life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of God of The Union Assembly, with Reverend Charlie Pratt and Reverend Stoney Kiser officiating. She will be laid to rest at West Hill Cemetery, with her great-grandsons serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the church starting at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday until the time of service.

Lillian's love and devotion to her family and her church will be remembered as the legacy she leaves behind.

Click here to view live stream of the funeral service.

Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA, 30721. 706-226-4002. www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org