Ruth Jenkins, 76: South Carolina Mother With Dementia Disappeared In 2022
While we were doing our best to stay cool during the summer of July 2022, a family grew concerned after they couldn’t contact Ruth Jenkins. The 76-year-old beloved mother lived in Pineville, South Carolina, and for the last year and a half, her loved ones have been pleading for help with this case.
Pineville, a small, wooded community in Berkeley County, has gathered together several times to help search for Ms. Ruth. Claudette Milligan, described by ABC 4 News as a family friend, spoke fondly of the missing woman. “She was my high school teacher, so we go way back,” said Claudette. “She is a beautiful person from then and now, and she’s truly missed.”
A Loving, Churchgoing Elder
Loved ones described Ruth Jenkins as a loving woman who once taught math in the Berkeley County School District. Ruth enjoyed attending the Beulah Tabernacle Church in St. Stephens and was said to have been an active member of the congregation.
On July 16, 2022, Ms. Ruth was last captured on her neighbor’s Ring doorbell security camera. Police stated she was seen walking in the 1800 block of S.C. Highway 45. Ruth has dementia and was reportedly known to “wander around,” but she has never outright disappeared.
“We have a petition online where we are humbly requesting [the State Law Enforcement Division] to get involved because the investigation is still open,” said community activist Justin Hunt.
Further, Ruth’s loved ones have launched the Where is Ruth Jenkins? Facebook Page where they continue to hold out hope that they will be reunited. In the “About” section of the Page, the creator detailed more information about the case.
“Testimonies say that she ‘wandered’ off,” the description reads. “Her last known appearance was on a neighbors door cam were she appeared to be tired and dehydrated. Since then it has been revealed that Mrs. Jenkins was staying in unacceptable housing conditions with her son. There are many alarming questions to this case. We as a community NEED to find our missing elder.“
Ruth Jenkins: What To Know
At the time of her disappearance, Ruth Jenkins stood 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 135 pounds. She has black/dark brown hair and brown eyes. What she was last wearing is unknown. Ruth wears glasses, but it is unclear if she was wearing them when she went missing.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office at (843) 719-4465. The National Missing & Unidentified Persons System does not list her agency case number. However, last year, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office stated the case is active.
Please share this story about Ruth Jenkins to help bring her home. She is our sister, and her life matters.
Sources
NamUs
ABC 4 News
Post & Courier
