Jewel Estelle Saint Wadkins

Columbus, Georgia – Jewel Estelle Saint Wadkins, age 93, departed this life on Thursday, February 3, 2011, surrounded by loved ones. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 7th at the Northside Chapel, 1901 Whittlesey Road, Columbus. Rev. Larry Biggers and Rev. David Smith will officiate the service, with burial to follow at Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service, at 10:00 a.m.

Jewel was born on December 19, 1917, in Columbus, GA. She was the daughter of Ruth Wynn Saint Rogers and Clarence Hayden Saint. She and her family owned and ran the State Farmers Market Restaurant, on 10th Avenue. Her days began well before dawn to make the breakfast biscuits for which her customers would drive from near and far to eat. Jewel loved the Lord, she loved her family and she loved her church.

In addition to her parents, Jewel was preceded in death by her husband, William Jesse Earl Wadkins; a brother, Charles Lee Saint (Chuck) Rogers; a granddaughter, Melissa Karol Smith; and a nephew, Charles Lee Rogers.

Left to celebrate her life are her children: Joyce Wadkins Bell and husband Greg of Yellville, AR; Earl Hayden Wadkins and wife Becky of Columbus, GA; Gary Bobby Wadkins and fiancée Christian Robison of Houston, TX, and her sister-in-law Kathy Rogers of Hamilton, MT. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Sue Petty and husband Frank, Kay Mason and husband Leonard and Kelly Mott and husband Richard, all of Columbus, GA; Sharon Cook and husband Marc of Midland, GA; Heather Wiley and husband Kevin of Auburn, AL; and Daniel Wadkins, Christopher Wadkins, Spencer Moore and Austin Wadkins, all of Houston, TX. In addition, she leaves behind nine great grandchildren, three great, great grandchildren and two nieces. Jewel will be greatly missed by her dearest and most loyal friends.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made in Jewel’s name, to the Northside Chapel. Please visit www.shcolumbus.com to express condolences.