Marilyn Elizabeth “Beth” Jenkins

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Marilyn Elizabeth “Beth” Jenkins, 67, of Dothan, Alabama, passed away on October 29, 2026, in the city where she was born and spent much of her life surrounded by family, friends, and the community she loved.

Beth was born on March 11, 1959, in Dothan, Alabama, to Betty E. Fowler and the late JT Fowler. She was raised with strong values and a determined spirit that would remain with her throughout her life. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Gary Fowler and Steve Fowler. Beth carried the strength of her family with her in all that she did, and she lived with a sense of purpose that reflected both her roots and her own independent nature.

A proud graduate of Wicksburg High School, Beth later attended Troy University and continued to build a life marked by hard work, creativity, and dedication. She married Michael Jenkins, Sr. in 1979, and together they shared many years of life and family. Beth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who took great pride in the people she loved. Her family was the center of her world, and she remained a steady, loving presence in their lives through every season.

Beth is survived by her husband, Michael Jenkins, Sr.; her son, Michael Jenkins, Jr. (Michelle); her daughter, Rebecca Smith (Edward); her grandchildren, Elizabeth Lane (Ty Trawick), Grant Jenkins, Christopher Lane, and Noah Lane; and her great-grandson, CJ Lane. She is also survived by her mother, Betty E. Fowler. Her family will remember her for her strong will, her loyalty, and the deep love she gave so freely to those closest to her.

Beth was known for being loving, firm in her beliefs, headstrong, creative, and deeply dedicated to the people and work she cared about. She had an artistic spirit that showed in many parts of her life, especially in her work as an artistic silversmith. Her creativity was not limited to one pursuit, as she was a very artsy woman who enjoyed expressing herself in meaningful and beautiful ways. Beth embraced her talents with pride and returned to school to study silversmithing, further developing the craft that reflected her eye for detail and her appreciation for fine work.

Throughout her life, Beth worked at Buena Vista and was known for her strong work ethic and commitment. She also bought the family hotel business and later sold it in 2010. Her involvement in that business was another example of her determination and her willingness to take on responsibility with confidence. She approached each endeavor with resolve and practical wisdom, and she left her mark through the many roles she carried with grace and strength.

Beth also had a deep love for her dogs, and they were a special part of her life. Her affection for animals reflected the warmth and tenderness that those who knew her best understood well. Though she could be firm and unwavering in her opinions, she was also loving and caring in ways that mattered deeply to her family and friends. Her presence brought both strength and comfort, and she will be remembered for the balance of those qualities.

Those who knew Beth will remember her as a woman of character, creativity, and determination. She lived life on her own terms, but always with devotion to her family and a clear sense of who she was. Her legacy will continue through the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandson, and all who were blessed to know her. She will be remembered with love, respect, and gratitude for the many ways she touched the lives of others.

A life so full of love, artistry, and steadfast devotion leaves behind memories that will be cherished always. Beth Jenkins will be deeply missed by her family and all whose lives she enriched.

A celebration of Beth’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm-2:00pm on Sunday at the funeral home. Beth will be laid to rest in Jellico Community Cemetery.