Local residents gather to celebrate the legacy of Queenie Gadson Jenkins in Bluffton, S.C.
Bluffton, S.C. is set to honor Queenie Gadson Jenkins, a revered midwife and community figure, with an induction into the Wall of Honor. The ceremony will take place on April 8, recognizing her significant contributions to the Gullah community and her legacy as a caregiver and culinary talent in Bluffton. Jenkins’s influence is deeply felt, and the town encourages residents to celebrate her remarkable life and achievements.
Bluffton, S.C. is buzzing with excitement as the town prepares to add a true icon to its Wall of Honor. On April 8, at an upcoming town council meeting, Queenie Gadson Jenkins will be inducted into this prestigious memorial, recognizing her significant contributions to the community over the years. For those who may not know, Jenkins was much more than just a name; she was a beloved midwife, caregiver, and cook at the Michael C. Riley School throughout the 20th century, leaving an indelible mark on Bluffton’s cultural landscape.
Born in 1905 to Susie Murray and Ben Gadson, Jenkins became a respected matriarch in the Gullah community after marrying William Jenkins in 1923. Together, they raised seven children in a loving home along Highway 46. Known for her wisdom and kindness, Jenkins fostered a spirit of resilience and earnestness that inspired many in the neighborhood. Her core philosophy emphasized hard work and honesty, leaving a lasting legacy that will be honored on this momentous day.
Jenkins’s contributions went far beyond just her family. As a cook, she delighted many with her culinary skills, filling homes with the aromas of Gullah cuisine, a rich blend of flavors rooted in the traditions of her heritage. Her talents in the kitchen helped nurture not only her family but the wider Bluffton community as well.
Serving as a midwife, Jenkins was a vital part of bringing new life into the world. Her care and commitment to families in Bluffton made her an essential figure, as she helped countless community members during a critical time in their lives. Even as times changed, the stories and memories of her healing touch continued to live on in the hearts of those she served.
Jenkins’s influence does not just end with her personal life. Her experiences and the stories that describe them can be found in the book “Remembering the Way It Was: At Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Daufuskie” authored by Fran Heyward Marscher. This publication, released in 2005, chronicles interviews and oral history pieces that pay homage to Jenkins and others who shaped Bluffton’s identity. These narratives serve as a reminder of the contributions African American women made to the region throughout history.
The ceremony honoring Queenie Gadson Jenkins is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. on April 8th, right before the Town Council meeting. Members of the community are warmly invited to attend this uplifting event where the town will come together to celebrate this remarkable woman. Her life and contributions continue to echo throughout Bluffton, reminding everyone of the strength and resolve embodied in her life’s work.
Queenie Gadson Jenkins passed away on July 25, 1990, at Hilton Head Hospital. She is interred at Jaxville Cemetery on Pinckney Colony Road, a site where many community members find inspiration in her legacy. Though she has left this world, her spirit and teachings remain firmly embedded in the hearts of those who were touched by her life.
The upcoming dedication ceremony for Queenie Gadson Jenkins is not just about honoring a local legend; it’s a celebration of the values she cherished and the community spirit she embodied. Bluffton is eager to come together and commemorate a woman who has contributed so much to its rich cultural tapestry.
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