February 20, 1935 – April 25, 2025

At 90 years old, our beloved mother, grandmother, and constant encourager passed away. Aynor has truly lost one of its remarkable women who helped shape the hometown atmosphere we all love.

Lila Ruth was deeply loved for her sweet personality and generous spirit. She spent her entire life in Galivants Ferry and Aynor, touching countless lives with her hospitality, unselfish devotion to her community, and ever-present smile.

She held many roles over the years—manager at Aynor Manufacturing (prior to Anvil), regional top salesperson for Wear-Ever cookware, owner of Bob's Restaurant, and later retired from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, where she was honored as South Carolina's DMV Employee of the Year in the 1993.

A faithful member of Pisgah Methodist Church, Lila Ruth was the person who could always connect you to your family tree and treated everyone with love.

She was the daughter and oldest child of Willie Freeman and Florrie Baxley. She is survived by her loving sisters Patricia Frye, Thelma Allen (Edward), and brother Willie Joe Baxley (Betty). She was married to the late Gus Bobby Jenkins for 48 years. Together, they had one son Carl (who died at birth) and two daughters: Jeanne Hardee (Larry) and Joan Wise (Russell).

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Trent (Amanda) Hardee, Garrett Wise, Craig (Richelle) Hardee, and Brook (Dan) Hale, as well as her eight cherished great-grandchildren: Madelyn, Elizabeth, Emma, McKenzie, Hayden, Layna, Shilo, Asa Jo, and Jesse.

We want to extend our gratitude to the following people who have loved and cared for our momma over the past 14 years. Our family is eternally grateful for your unselfish devotion:  Shannon and Phillip Perritt, Michelle Hernandez, Taylor Jordan, Marian Barfield, Candy Dingman, Trish Frye (her sister), Janet Rabon, Mildred Cook, Laura King, Nethra Vereen, Truman and Sarah Pearce, and the late Willie Vereen, and Vera Johnson.

Service Details A celebration of Lila Ruth's life will be held at Pisgah Methodist Church, 1600 Pisgah Church Road, on Monday, April 28 at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are warmly invited to join us in celebrating her life and honoring her memory. The family will visit with friends briefly at the cemetery following the service and then at Mrs. Lila Ruth's House from 1 - 3 PM.