Emily Rachel (Capes) Jenkins

Emily Rachel Capes Jenkins was born September 24, 1941, in Porterdale, Georgia to Corris Slaughter Capes and Marshall Ira Capes.  At age ten, she and her family moved to the country in Oxford to live in a log home built by her father and brothers.

Surrounded by her loving husband, children, grandchildren, and siblings, Rachel transitioned peacefully in the gorgeous log home that she loved and designed with her husband, Buster. Rachel went to be with the Lord on February 5, 2026.

She graduated from Newton County High School in 1959 and will be remembered by her classmates for her kindness, gentleness, funny personality and for being chosen “Most Beautiful” her senior year. 

In addition to her responsibilities as a wife and mom of five, she served as a Bookkeeper for CPA, R. Joseph Allen; and Gladney and Allen.

After 25 years of loyal service, Rachel retired her most recent position as Bus Driver for Henry County Schools. 

She shared her faith in Jesus Christ with her family.  She found prayer to be a comfort and solace in times of sadness or despair. When she was burdened, she would simply tell Jesus, “Take it.”

Rachel Jenkins is survived by her husband of 34 years, Lloyd Harold (Buster) Jenkins. She had a deep love for her family and cherished time with each of them. Son, Trey Valentine (Carolyn); daughters Darlene Valentine Hammond (Lester Harrell); Dina Valentine Thornton (Tommy); and Ampora Valentine Ewing (Daniel). Siblings: Preston (Tony) Capes (Lynne); Colleen Capes Jackson (Dwayne); and Sister-in-Law, Esther Saul Capes. Grandsons: Robby Case (Danielle); Camden and Christopher Valentine.  Granddaughters: Reannon Thornton Cool (Trey); Kayla Thornton Mays (Andy); and Caitlin Ewing.

Stepson, David Jenkins (Lisa); Stepdaughter, Deana Rodda; Step-grandchildren: Crystal Porter (Ricky), Heather Guy (Ralph); Megan Turner; Nick Rodda; Lloyd Rodda and Emma Rodda.

Great Grandchildren: Vincent and Gavin Case; Elizabeth Case; Hunter, Christianna, Scarlett, and Bren Cool; Rayna and Wyatt Mays.

Nieces and nephews: Rebecca Capes; Barbara Capes Mock (Tim), Toni Capes Williams, Tommy Denney, James Hill; Alan Frederick, Michael Frederick; Bryan Capes (Karen), Lori Capes O’Kelley (Marty); Heath Jackson (Angie) and Whitney Jackson.

Great nieces and nephews: Jason Mock (Shannon); Brandy Garner (Sean); Chris Williams; Frances Darity; Silina Hodges (Keith); Travis Denney (Sarah); Tiffany Cogar; Evelyn, Niki, Faith, Ian (Serina), Aaron, and Camryn Frederick; Eli and Jonathan Capes; Emma and Lily O’Kelley; Wyatt Jackson (Macie); and Gunner Jackson, (Corley).

Jenkins is preceded in death by her parents, Marshall, and Corris Capes; daughter, Christi Heather Valentine; Son-in-law, Steve Hammond. Grandchildren: Timothy David Case; and Jonathan Hayward Case. Brothers, William Harold (Billy) Capes; Gene Ellwood (Pat) Capes (Elizabeth); Ira Timothy Capes. Sister Martha Diane Capes Frederick (Wallace). Mothers and Fathers-in-law: Robert and Audrey Smith; George McLean and Lucia Ewing Valentine; Lloyd Harold and Dororthy Irene Jenkins. The fathers of her children: Hayward Smith and George Valentine. Nieces, Diana Capes Denney; Lynn Capes Hill; Stephanie Marie Frederick; Ella Jean Frederick; Kristen Elise Frederick; and Nephews: Michael Thurmond; Stephen Marcus Frederick; and Rodney Williams. Favorite Aunt, Pauline Capes Bell. Cousin Jackie Pickett and her beloved yorkie Murphy Brown.

Rachel enjoyed life, honoring traditions and making memories. Rachel and Buster’s favorite trips include two vacations to Alaska. They traveled, went fishing and camping, and took time for summer beach trips. With her children and grandchildren in mind, she shopped for special Mimi gifts signed “Mimi loves baby” or “Hey, baby doll!”

Rachel’s love of nature extended to the outdoors - Little League Games; teaching her son how to drive, trips to Steak ‘n Shake, and entertaining her devoted dog, Snoopy who watched over her bedside night and day. As far as the eye could see, Rachel’s touch created a picturesque, tranquil environment for everyone, including the children. Swings, windchimes, arbors, flowers, and figurines enhanced the beauty of their log home.

Her children knew they could always count on their mom to help with a term paper at 3:00 in the morning; or sign up to go on a last-minute field trip.  Her daughter won a pageant fashioning a Mr. Peanut costume that Rachel designed out of Paper Mache.

The family would like to thank Longleaf Hospice, particularly Courtney, and Kenyatta, and Haisten Funeral Home for their kindness, professionalism, and support on behalf of Rachel.

Rachel was blessed with many wonderful friends. Her dearest friend and cousin, Linda Bates Williams sent the family this tribute, “Thank you Rachel, my cousin, my friend for loving me so much!  You never clipped my wings but only added another feather so I could fly even higher.”

Visitation: Stockbridge Community Church: 4401 SR-155, Stockbridge 30281. Friends and family are invited to attend on February 21 at 2:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 3:00 p.m. No graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to: The Potters House for Women, P.O. Box 1401, Jackson, Ga 30233.

Haisten Funeral Home of Jackson is serving the Jenkins Family.

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