Swansboro- Henry Clay Jenkins, 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Landings of Swansboro. He was born October 25, 1936, in Onslow County, NC, the son of the late Wilbur Lee Jenkins and Nannie Mae Harris Jenkins.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Midway Methodist Church, with Rev. Jim Stephens officiating. Burial will follow at 3:00 PM at Onslow Memorial Park in Jacksonville. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 6-8 PM at Jones Funeral Home-Swansboro.

Henry was an educator who taught science and driver's education, and he was proud to call Stella home, the place where he lived most of his life and raised his 2 sons with Barbara Carraway Jenkins (deceased).  He loved living in Stella and spending time with his family and friends. He attended Louisburg College and later graduated from East Carolina University. A gifted storyteller, Henry loved to talk with people and truly never met a stranger. His faith was central to his life, and he was a lifelong member of his church, where he also taught Sunday school. One week, while searching for a story to help with his Sunday school lesson, he discovered a hummingbird trapped in a cobweb; he freed the bird and worked that moment into his lesson. From then on, hummingbirds became a special symbol that others shared with him through thoughtful gifts. Henry enjoyed riding his tractor and planting his garden, especially carrying on the tradition of growing his family's heirloom onions and peppers. He was always there to help others. Later in life, he adopted a lost cat he affectionately named Boo; together they would walk in the woods and through the rows of crops.

He is survived by his son, Jeff Jenkins (Robin) of Roswell, GA; granddaughter, Eve Jenkins of Roswell, GA; and grandsons, Stephen Jenkins (Nicole) of Kinston, NC, Michael Jenkins (Caroline) of TX, and Christopher Jenkins (Kristen) of NC; many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; sister, Naomi Wells (Dewey) of Stella, NC; and special friend and companion, Helen Cropper of Jacksonville, NC.

He was preceded in death by his son, Greg Jenkins; and siblings, Harris Jenkins (Jean) and Dorothy Nobles (Marvin).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Midway Methodist Church Building Fund.