Carmen Jenkins Bentz

Carmen Jenkins Bentz, 93, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many, was born in Charleston on May 21, 1930, and died peacefully in Charleston on December 17, 2023. Her funeral service will be held Thursday, December, 21 2023, at St. Johns Episcopal Church, 3673 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at the churchyard along with a reception where friends will be received. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr Inc., Downtown Chapel. 

Carmen was a child during the Great Depression and a young teen during World War II.  Her Johns Island born parents, Daniel Francis Jenkins and Anna Louisa Walpole, were wonderful role models for Carmen, her three sisters (Frances Atkinson, Denie Gourley, Ann Argard) and two brothers (Benjamin Jenkins, D.F. Jenkins). Watching her parents work hard on the family farms all while raising six children formed her childhood experience, strong work ethic and deep family bond that influenced Carmen for the rest of her life. 

She graduated from the South Carolina Medical University where she obtained her registered Nursing degree which started her life long passion for helping others. For nearly the next 40 years she worked at St. Francis Hospital in Charleston as supervisor of the maternity floor and spending the final 20 plus years as a Charleston County school nurse traveling between various public schools providing care for children which she so deeply loved. 

She is survived by her sister Francis Atkinson (Billy) and her two children L. Earl Bentz (Janet) and Carmen “Terri” Bentz Gilbert.  In addition to her two children,  Carmen (affectionately known as “Nana” to her family and “Shing” to her friends) will be deeply missed by her 5 grandchildren: Anthony Osment, Anna Osment Armstrong (John), Mariel Bentz Ingram (Bucky), Amelia Bentz Falk (Todd), Camille Bentz Barrett (Aaron), eight great grandchildren: Lilah Osment, Bentz Rich, Fletcher Falk, Jace Armstrong, Rivers Barrett, Jackson Falk, Carolina Barrett, Henry Ingram and many beloved nieces and nephews. Her family was her most important project and greatest love

Carmen was a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church and a devout Christian.                                                 

Carmen spent her life taking care of friends and family, nursing them back to good health and loved baking her infamous macaroni & cheese casseroles, fruit cakes, Benne Wafers and other signature southern dishes to share. She was legendary for her ability to tell a good joke, and loved to make people laugh.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the caregivers Missy Keith, Kathryn Wooton, Judy Rogers, Sonya Jenkins; and the medical staff at S.C. House Calls and Agape Hospice; who were gifted, dedicated and a radiant presence in her life.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Dementia Society of America, 188 N Main St, Doylestown, PA 18901 or a charity of your choice.