Audrey Marie (Howell) Olson-Jenkins, 81, of Franklin, Virginia, beloved mother of 2 children, beloved “Mamaw” to 4 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026 leaving a void her family cannot fill.

Audrey was born in Franklin, Virginia April 28, 1944 to Margaret Butler Howell, and Linwood Nelson Howell. Audrey was an active and devoted member to Beaver Dam Baptist church throughout her life. She also held a special place in her heart for Luyano Baptist Church and its congregation located in the Havana barrio of Luyano, Cuba where she had done mission work on multiple occasions. Audrey graduated from Windsor High School in 1962. She worked as a Bookkeeper at Windsor High School in Windsor, Virginia until her retirement in 1998.

Audrey married her high school sweetheart and love of her life Bing Olson June 14, 1964 and remained by his side for 23 years until his death April 5, 1988 after a courageous battle with cancer. She remarried John H. Jenkins in 1998, and was a devoted wife of 26 years until his passing in December of 2024.

Audrey was a devoted mother to two sons Troy Olson (Virginia Beach, Virginia), and Brandon Olson (Ashburn, Virginia). As much as she doted on her sons, her pride and joy may have been her grandchildren Isabella Olson Sawyer, Noah Olson, Siri Olson, and Holden Olson, and two great-grandchildren Addison Seabolt, and Derek Sawyer.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd Raymond Olson Jr. (Bing), husband John Henry Jenkins, her parents Linwood Nelson Howell, Margaret Butler Howell, a brother James Howell (Bubba), a sister Marjorie Howell Whitley, a sister Elizabeth Howell Cutchin, a sister Jean Howell Drewry. Audrey is survived by her two children, four grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

If a person can be measured by the love they leave behind, then Audrey’s life was extraordinary. More than even she knew. Not time, not illness, not even goodbye could change that. She is still here. A life well lived.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held Friday February 27, 2026 at Beaver Dam Baptist Church located in Carrsville, Virginia at 11 am.

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