Obituary of Carole Jenkins Wilburn

Carole Jenkins Wilburn of Bridgeport, WV, died on Thursday, July 10, 2025. She was born in Fairmont, WV , a daughter of the late Cletus Harold and Pauline Hoferer Jenkins. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles “Gib” Wiburn in November of 1999. She is survived by two daughters: Suzanne and Meredith. Suzanne and Andre den Besten of Placida, FL and Meredith Thompson of Bridgeport, her grandchildren: Capt. Zachary and Lindsay den Besten, MD of Roanoke, VA, LT Olivia and LT JD Makauskas of Hanford, CA, Whitney and Rob Geenen of Belize, and TC Thompson of Bridgeport, her great-grandchildren: Kacey and Parker den Besten of Roanoke, VA, Max Geenen of Denver, CO and Lucas and Stella Geenen of Belize. One sister survives: Doris (Dodie) Jenkins and Steve Libicer of Franklin, PA. She was preceded in death by one sister, Susan Jenkins Orr (John). Carole was raised in Fairmont, WV, graduated from Fairmont Senior High and West Virginia University. She taught in Glen Burnie, MD and Marion County, WV at the elementary level. In Bridgeport, she was a pre-school teacher (AB4SKOL and My School). Carole’s memberships include the Junior League of Fairmont and the Clarksburg League for Service. She served as a Girl Scout leader and on the Simpson School PTA. Carole was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Clarksburg for 55 years where she served as an Elder, Deacon, and Presbyterian Women boards, and belonged to the Spiritual and Prayer Groups. In 2022, she joined the Bridgeport Presbyterian Church. Hobbies included boating, traveling, needle work, reading, playing Bridge, working jigsaw puzzles, and The New York Times crossword puzzles. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bridgeport Presbyterian Church, 1 John Calvin Drive, Bridgeport, WV 26330. The family has entrusted the arrangements to Ford Funeral Home, 215 E. Main St., Bridgeport, WV 26330. The family will receive friends at Bridgeport Presbyterian Church, 1 John Calvin Dr., Bridgeport, WV 26330, on Sunday, July 13, 2025 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the church on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 3 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.