Jennie Early

Canton – Jennie Mae Medford Early, 90, passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Spicewood Memory Care Unit in Clyde where she had lived for ten months.

Jennie was a native and lifelong resident of Haywood County and a daughter of the late Wilson Richard and Dixie Sorrells Medford.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her treasured husband, Hugh J. Early, who died January 24, 2020; two sons, Thomas Marshall Early and Richard Medford Early; one grandchild, Michael Lee Early; and two sisters, Alveta Fletcher and Edith Dotson.

Crowned “Miss Tobacco Queen of Haywood County” in 1949, Jennie remained beautiful all her life. Her beauty was far more than skin deep, and she taught her children that “pretty is as pretty does.” Jennie Mae was truly “pretty!” Jennie was a high school graduate and homemaker. She was industrious and frugal, able to stretch and save a penny. Yet she would willingly share that saved penny with her children or anyone in need.

Jennie Mae may best be remembered for her cottage monograming business from the 1960’s and 70’s. What started as a personal hobby later allowed her to express her own creativity and meet people, and Jennie truly loved people! Those who know her best will remember her most for her incredible generosity, her desire to help anyone in need, and her absolute determination to feed whoever walked in her door. Jennie had a strong relationship with the Lord which was revealed in who she was and the things she did. She leaves a legacy of faith, an ethic of work, and a model for love and integrity for her family.

She is survived by one daughter, Dr. Darlene Leatherwood of Waynesville; a daughter-in-law (truly a daughter), Martha Worley Early; six grandchildren, Gregg and Todd Early, Jennifer Leatherwood Glasgow and Lt. Col. Jon Leatherwood, Joshua and Luke Early; fourteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; and one brother-in-law, T. P. Fletcher.

A private service will be held in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Jeff King officiating.  Burial will follow at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Resident Care Fund at Spicewood Cottages, 59 Loving Way, Clyde, NC, 28721. The fund provides personal care items for residents who are unable to provide for themselves.

The care of Mrs. Early has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com