Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Burnside Jenkins, affectionately known to family and friends as "Liz" or "Aunt Liz," was born on March 21, 1937, in Laurens County, South Carolina, to the late James Burnside, Sr. and Willie Mae Floyd Burnside.

Mary Elizabeth was educated in the Laurens County Public School System and was a proud graduate of Bell Street High School. Driven by a passion for caring for others, she continued her education in New York City, where she attended Bellevue School of Nursing and earned the distinguished title of Registered Nurse.

Following her nursing education, Mary Elizabeth proudly served her country as a Captain in the United States Air Force, fulfilling her duties as a Flight Nurse. It was during her military service that her lifelong love of travel began. Although she had the opportunity to experience many places throughout her career, her heart always remained in Clinton, South Carolina—the place she lovingly called home. She eventually returned to Clinton, where she faithfully served her community through her nursing career.

After many years of compassionate and dedicated service, Liz retired from the Whitten Center and the Laurens County Health Care Center. Retirement allowed her to enjoy life's simple pleasures. She especially loved bowling, traveling, and spending treasured moments with her family. Her warm smile, generous spirit, and caring heart touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In addition to her parents, May Elizabeth was preceded in death by her brothers, Lewis Burnside, Jr., James Burnside, and Willie Arthur Burnside; and her seven sisters, Emma Burnside Willis, Nettie Burnside Bedon, Nannie Burnside Hardin, Mattie Burnside Wilson, Margaret Burnside Simon, JoAnn Burnside Owens, and Daisy C. Barksdale.

On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Hospice of Laurens County, the glowing spirit of Mary Elizabeth Burnside Jenkins peacefully transitioned from earth to eternity, entering her eternal rest at the graceful age of 89.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her devoted husband, Willie L. Jenkins, Sr., of the home; her beloved sister, Joyce Payne, of Greenville, South Carolina; two nieces who became the children she never had, Carolyn Simon of Atlanta, Georgia, and Cassandra Jordan (Alphonso) of North Wells, Pennsylvania; and one very special niece, Andrea Barksdale of Clinton, South Carolina, whose loving care and unwavering devotion provided comfort during Aunt Liz's time of greatest need.

And if you knew "Aunt Liz," you knew you were family. She leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were forever enriched by her kindness, wisdom, compassion, and unconditional love.

Though her physical presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of service, strength, love, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."Matthew 25:23 (KJV)

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