Jewel Ann Butler Skinner

Jewel Ann Butler Skinner, of Bladen County, North Carolina, passed away on September 17, 2026, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. She was born on June 1, 1931, in Bladen County, North Carolina, and lived a life defined by devotion to family, hard work, generosity, and deep love for the people around her.

Jewel Ann was, in every sense, the heart of her family. Her daughter Patricia described her as “my rock,” and those who knew her remembered her as feisty, generous, blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, and truly the best mother anyone could ask for. She was ever-present in the lives of those she loved and set an example for everyone around her. There was not a lazy bone in her body, yet she rarely fussed or complained. She stepped forward when leadership was needed, but she was just as willing to place herself last so that others could come first.

She was a remarkably hardworking woman and a gifted cook. Her family marveled at how she could prepare memorable meals while also working alongside them in the fields. Nothing brought her more joy than seeing the people she loved gathered around the table enjoying what she had made. She was always content to be the last one served. Thanksgiving held a special place in her heart, and she delighted in bringing everyone together for that meal. At the final Thanksgiving dinner she prepared, her family counted 37 dishes, a reflection of both her talent and her love.

Christmas was another cherished season in her home. Family traditions included heading into the woods together to choose the Christmas tree and exchanging presents at “dark-thirty.” For Jewel Ann, these moments were never only about the meal, the tree, or the gifts. They were about togetherness, and she treasured every opportunity to have her family close.

She also dearly loved to fish. Whether on a bank, a pier, or beside a bridge, she was happy anywhere she could cast a line into the water. She enjoyed gospel singings and loved traveling with her children to attend them. What might begin as a simple outing often became a full day of music, travel, and shared time, leaving behind treasured memories for her family.

Jewel Ann loved being around people and was known for her remarkable memory, even in her later years. She enjoyed spending time at Hardee’s in Bladenboro with her group of friends, and Saturday nights with the “Saturday Night Gang” at her Uncle Harvey’s were filled with stories, laughter, and fellowship. She cherished every chance to spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and made it a priority to be present for the important moments in their lives.

Her own love story began at Aunt Annie and Minnie’s Drugstore, where she met the man who would become her husband when he rode up on a bicycle while visiting family in Dublin. From that beginning grew a life centered on hard work, laughter, generosity, and enduring devotion to family and faith. She was a proud member of Dublin Pentecostal Freewill Baptist Church and will be greatly missed by the congregation. She gave freely of herself and found her greatest happiness in caring for others. The memories she created will continue to hold her family together for years to come.

She is survived by her children, Eddie Skinner and his wife, Joyce Davis Skinner, Ronnie Skinner and his wife, Wanda Pait Skinner, and Patricia Skinner and Stuart McMahon. She also leaves her sisters, Claudette Smith and Ruby McDuffie. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Brian Skinner and his wife, Margaret, Michael Skinner, Wesley Skinner, Shelly Wiggins and her husband, J.R., Samantha Hess and her husband, John, and Justin Skinner; and through her great-grandchildren, Ava Wiggins, Ben Skinner, Matthew Skinner, Joshua Skinner, and Kaylee Melvin. Each of them carries forward the love, strength, and care that she gave so freely.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred Memory Butler and Jurdie Velton Butler; by her husband of over fifty years, Marvin Skinner; by her son, Stuart Skinner; and by her siblings, J.V. and Laura.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3131 M.L.K. Dr, Elizabethtown, NC 28337. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Dublin Pentecostal Freewill Baptist Church, 6964 Albert Street, Dublin, NC 28332 with the Reverend Mike Burney officiating. Burial Will follow in the Singletary Church Cemetery located at 241 3rd Street Dublin, North Carolina 28320.

Jewel Ann Butler Skinner leaves behind a family knit together by her love, her labor, her laughter, and her steadfast presence. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.