Emyl Jenkins, 1941 - 2010

Dear JRW Members and Friends,

Nothing about Emyl Jenkins suggested sadness: she was always upbeat and encouraged everyone to "think happy thoughts." It is, therefore, especially difficult to share the sad news of her passing.

We remember her brightness, cleverness and caring. She wanted us all to shine as she did: with success in publishing and happiness in our lives. We at James River Writers were lucky to have her in our midst, stirring up fun and mischief.

Although Emyl only moved to Richmond in 2004, Emyl seemed to know everyone, and everyone seemed to know her. She served on several non-profit boards and didn't hesitate to roll up her sleeves to grow the literary community in central Virginia.

She joined the James River Writers Board of Directors in January, 2007, immediately setting the standard for JRW's first Best Unpublished Novel Contest, co-sponsored with Richmond magazine. In 2008, she became the Chair of JRW's fall Writers Conference, a sold-out event that drew heavily on her personal connections to bring in top authors. In 2009, Emyl served on the JRW Executive Committee as the Board's Secretary. Both officially and unofficially, she was always happy to help aspiring authors hone their craft.

She was the author of numerous nonfiction books on topics from cooking to antiques. In 2006, she turned her hand to fiction, publishing two mysteries: Stealing with Style (2006) and The Big Steal (2009).

We will miss Emyl very much, but feel lucky to have been sprinkled so liberally with her bright smile and "fairy dust." She would want us to carry on with style, succeeding as writers, relishing books as readers, and enjoying one another as we do so.

Virginia Pye
Chair, James River Writers

A graveside service was held at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Friday, April 30, and a memorial service was held at Saint Alban's Anglican Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia, on Sunday, May 2. Donations may be made to the Emyl Jenkins Sexton Fiction Award Fund, The Library of Virginia Foundation, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.

Richmond Times Dispatch, April 28, 2010 – Local Author and Writing Mentor Emyl Jenkins Dies at 68

Richmond Times Dispatch, April 29, 2010 – Emyl Sexton Jenkins, Obituary