Sylvia Jenks Bigham

Sylvia Ann Jenks Bigham, 81, of Durham, North Carolina peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her family.  She was born February 16, 1942 in the Falls area of Wake County, North Carolina to the late Vandoris and Ethel Jenks.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Demp, Max, Marvin, Harold and Hubert Jenks and sisters, Katherine Jenks and Margie King.

Mrs. Bigham was a graduate of Millbrook High School in Raleigh.  She married the love of her life Kenny Bigham on September 1, 1962, in Durham. She was a Founder & Charter Member of Leesville Road Baptist Church and a longtime member of Olive Branch Baptist Church.

Sylvia worked for many years as a Bookkeeper for the family business, City Auto Parts in Durham. She always enjoyed being around her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

Sylvia loved Christmas and any snow event, often documenting big snowfalls in her family Bible. She loved jigsaw puzzles and was a creative artist who designed church cantata sets in her younger years. She would doodle on just about anything, including her styrofoam drink cups.

She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother.

Mrs. Bigham is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Kenny Bigham; sons, Todd Bigham (Michelle), Scott Bigham (Stacy) and Steve Bigham (Melissa); grandchildren, Amanda Peyton (Josh), Hunter Bigham, Madelyn Bigham and Emmitt Bigham; great grandchildren, Forrest Peyton, Willow Peyton and Nova Peyton and numerous other family members and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 9, 2024 at Olive Branch Baptist Church, 123 Olive Branch Rd., Durham, NC 27703. The Rev. Tim Wheeler will officiate.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Sylvia’s name to Olive Branch Baptist Church.