Harriet Austin Jenkins

1934 - 2025

Harriet Austin Jenkins

August 10, 1934 - August 22, 2025

Charlotte, North Carolina - Harriet Austin Jenkins, 91, of Charlotte, died August 22, 2025 at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster after a brief illness.

Harriet was born in Charlotte, NC on August 10, 1934 to the late Mabel Hodges Austin and Harry Preston Austin. She attended Harding High School and graduated in 1952 before attending the Women's College, now known as UNC Greensboro, for a one-year commercial course. Following her education, she worked for 2.5 years at American Trust Company as asecretary to officers of the bank. She also provided secretarial assistance for several years to her husband, Fred, when he and his brother, Ed, established their electrical repair company, Jenkins Electric Company, in 1969.

On March 3, 1956, Harriet married her beloved husband, Fred, at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church in Charlotte. After their marriage, she joined her husband at Christ Lutheran Church where he was a charter member. She loved Christ Lutheran and remained a devoted and lifelong member. Harriet had so many fond memories of helping the young church get started by playing piano for the Vacation Bible School, weekday school, and other musical programs. She was also an active member of the Clara Sullivan Women's Circle and was honored with a lifetime membership. the relationships Harriet made at Christ Lutheran were very important to her and provided her with so much support during her later years.

Harriet's greatest joy came from being with her family, especially her grandchildren, Katie, Robbie, and Mandy. She was a devoted grandmother and was a part of every important event in their lives. She was also thrilled to learn about becoming a great grandmother this upcoming December.

She and Fred provided many opportunities and places for their family to spend time together, and in 1970, they purchased property on Lake Norman where they spent many years during the summers with their family and friends. In 1991, they completed a small vacation home, and got great pleasure from also seeing their grandchildren grow up and enjoy their time there too.

Harriet cared deeply for everyone she knew, and took great interest in their lives and families as well. Baking was one of her great pleasures and she loved sharing her baked goodies with others, always on the hunt for the perfect pound cake recipe. She also showed her care and kindness through cards, notes, and other little gestures of love. Harriet's joy for life was evident in the fun she always brought to every occasion.

Starting in 2009, Harriet devoted the next six years of her life to being her husband's constant companion and advocate as he battled many health issues and was a resident in nursing care at Southminster. Her positive spirit provided him with comfort and peace during those difficult times.

Harriet was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Fred, and is survived by her loving family including their son Harry Preston Jenkins and his wife Julie; their daughter Marsha Jenkins Kinniburgh and her husband Rob; grandchildren Kathryn Mumper and her husband Ryan, Robert Kinniburgh and wife Lauren, and Amanda Kinniburgh.

The family would like to thank the staff of Southminster for their many years of loving care to Harriet and Fred. They would especially like to thank Linda Harris for her kindness and companionship to Harriet as she navigated these last few years with limited sight due to macular degeneration.

A Memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, September 6th in Christ Chapel of Christ Lutheran Church, 4519 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC at 11:00 a.m. Senior Pastor Scott Suskovic will officiate. A reception to greet friends and family will follow in the Lower Commons of the main sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or Metrolina Association for the Blind.