Diane Whiteside Jenkins

Diane Whiteside Jenkins, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, at the age of 75.

Born on January 22, 1951, in Enka, North Carolina, Diane was one of nine children raised in a close-knit and deeply loving family. That love became the foundation of the life she built and shared with others.

Diane met the love of her life, Bruce Jenkins, during their freshman year of high school. They married in 1969 and spent more than five decades showing everyone around them what it means to love fiercely and faithfully through every season of life.

Diane embraced life fully and joyfully. She loved to laugh, loved being with people, and had a gift for making others feel cared for. She was an exceptional cook whose kitchen became the heart of countless family gatherings. Her pizza, Cajun shrimp, country-style steak, salsa, and homemade peanut butter ice cream became legendary among those lucky enough to enjoy them.

She was also an avid runner whose determination and discipline inspired many. Diane completed the Marine Corps Marathon in an impressive 3 hours and 45 minutes and frequently won her age group in local and regional races.

Diane found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved walking her dogs and was a familiar and friendly face throughout her neighborhood. She loved the beach and was an expert shark tooth hunter, always competing with Bruce to see who could find the most — and usually winning. She loved plants so much that many knew her simply as “the plant lady.”

Her generosity extended far beyond her family. Diane donated more than 22 gallons of blood during her lifetime and championed recycling long before it became common practice. She loved art, photography, books, movies, trips to the zoo, and time spent with dear friends. She was a proud member of the North Carolina Zoo.

Above all else, Diane loved her family. She was a wonderful mother to Michelle and Brad, and a loving mother-in-law to Jon and Tara. Her greatest joy was being “Gigi” to her grandchildren, whom she loved more than words could ever express.

Diane was also a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and her faith guided the way she loved and cared for others throughout her life. While her family grieves deeply in her absence, they find peace and comfort in knowing she is now in Heaven, fully healed and reunited with loved ones who went before her.

Diane never liked saying goodbye and always preferred to say, “See you later.” And whenever someone told her, “I love you,” she would always smile and reply, “I love you more.” Everyone who knew her understood that she truly did.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Alice Whiteside; her father- and mother-in-law, Sam and Elene Jenkins; her brothers Bill Whiteside, Jack Whiteside, Don Whiteside, Mickey Whiteside, Roger Whiteside, and Steven Whiteside; sisters-in-law Barbara Whiteside, Shirley Whiteside, Pat Whiteside, and Rochelle Whiteside; brothers-in-law Edward Jenkins and Dave Bailey.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bruce Jenkins; her daughter, Michelle Jenkins Witteveen, and her husband, Jon, along with their children, Eva and Eisley; her son, Brad Jenkins, and his wife, Tara Wilkes Jenkins, along with their children, Halle and Chase; her sisters, Beki Whiteside Taylor and her husband Ronnie, and Sheila Whiteside Hunter; her sister-in-law, Jo Whiteside; her brother-in-law, Steven Jenkins and his wife Melody; her sister-in-law, Diane Bailey; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, Diane’s love, generosity, laughter, and spirit will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.

In honor of Diane’s generous spirit and the things she loved most, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, friends and loved ones consider becoming a member of the North Carolina Zoo or donating blood through the American Red Cross.

The family will receive friends at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home in Kernersville on Monday, May 11, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

See you later, Diane.