Jennie Herlong Boatwright, of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, died peacefully on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026.

 She was born on July 13th, 1931, in Trenton, SC. Beloved daughter of Mattie Garrett Herlong and Jim Vashti Herlong. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Jane Herlong Blume and her husband, Emile Phillips Boatwright.

 Jennie attended Coker College and the University of South Carolina and married Phillips Boatwright in 1952. They moved to Ridge Spring where they raised their family and made the community their home.

 Jennie was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Known for her compassion and open and welcoming spirit. She was a warm and caring person who always went out of her way to make others feel welcome, whether this was a new member of the church, a great grandchild or a perfect stranger. She had an infectious smile that put one at ease and made you want to learn more about this "happy soul”. Jennie touched so many lives in such a positive way.

 She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, part of the Church of the Ridge, and was treasurer for over 30 years. She was a member of the church choir and The Ridge Choral Society. A highlight was when The Choral Society sang at Carnegie Hall in 1996. She was a volunteer for Ridge Care Ministries, the Ridge Spring Library and was on the Board of Visitors for Piedmont Technical College. She was also involved with the Edgefield and Saluda County Historical Societies. She loved gardening and “working in the yard”. She and Phillips loved to entertain family and friends. Hosting gatherings at home and their Pond House. They had a special group that would gather on Sunday evenings, each taking turns bringing dinner.

 She and Phillips loved to travel and took many trips with the University of South Carolina. Jennie loved travel especially and would say yes whenever anyone asked them to go anywhere. Making several driving cross-country trips with friends was something they enjoyed.

 She treasured time with her family and always said she was the happiest when she had her four children all together. She is survived by her son, Emile Phillips Boatwright, Jr. of Batesburg, SC, daughter Jane Boatwright Schwab and her husband Nelson, of Charlotte, NC, daughter Sarah Boatwright Schwarz and her husband, Jack, of Monetta, SC, and daughter Nancy Boatwright Holt and her husband, Ken, of Columbia, SC.

 She is also survived by grandchildren Nancy Schwarz Lowry and her husband John, of Charlotte, NC, Emily Schwarz Bull and her husband William of Cameron, SC and Claire Holt Porter and her husband, Borden, of Ennis, Montana. And great grandchildren John Miller Lowry, Jr., Margaret Jane Lowry of Charlotte, NC and Sarah Averill Bull of Cameron, SC.

 She was a special aunt to nephews Jim Boatwright, George Boatwright, James Courtney, Jule Blume, Jim Blume, John Blume and her predeceased niece, Harriet Courtney Lemke.

 The family would like to thank the staffs at Edgefield County Hospital Swing Bed Unit, and the Saluda Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the expert care and comfort they provided. In addition, a deep, heartfelt thank you to Annie Stubbs who took great care to see that our mother was always at her best.

 A family memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 27th at 11:30 at Grace Episcopal Church in Ridge Spring, SC with visitation following at the family home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Grace Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 508, Edgefield, SC 29824. Arrangements are in the care of Edgefield Mercantile Funeral Home.