Jean (Jinx) Kimbrough O’Neal Faulkner of Covington, GA died December 17, 2013. She was born on August 2, 1927 in Birmingham, AL as the elder child of the late Sara Elizabeth Kimbrough and Lemuel Davis O’Neal. The family returned to their original hometown of Chipley (Pine Mountain), GA in approximately 1930. She graduated from Chipley High School in 1944 and entered the University of Georgia where she was elected President of Delta Delta Delta Sorority in her senior year. Following graduation in 1948, she accepted her first job as Tri Delta Traveling Secretary where she visited 52 campuses throughout the east coast, providing guidance and inspiration. Jinx then attended Tulane University School of Social Work and returned to Atlanta where she worked in that field as well as in public relations. In 1954, Jinx reconnected with an old acquaintance from her college days. Harry (Suzie) Faulkner and Jinx were married in Atlanta on March 6, 1955.
Following Harry’s internship as a Medical Doctor, he moved his young family back to Covington in 1958 to establish a general practice of medicine. Jinx poured herself into volunteer work supporting her husband’s practice, the newly opened hospital and Newton County Heart Council. And, importantly, conceived of the idea and assisted in the establishment and operations of the Newton County Rehabilitation Educational Clinic as a pilot project for the Georgia Heart Association. This was the first rural rehabilitation center in the nation and by 1962 she had assisted Harry in organizing 5 of the 7 clinics in the state of Georgia. In addition to other civic and social activities, Jinx was very active in the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepard and was elected to serve as Chairman of the Diocese of Atlanta Episcopal Women of the Church. Jinx taught 5th grade English at Palmer Stone and Ficquett elementary schools from 1964 through 1968 and later spent 20 years as a real estate professional. She loved cooking, entertaining, arranging flowers, painting, playing bridge and any opportunity to be with friends and family.
Perhaps her greatest contribution to her adopted home town of 55 years has been her tireless service dedicated to the preservation of history and beauty throughout Newton County. As a charter member and past president of the Newton County Historical Society, she has spearheaded some of the society’s most important projects, including completion of the 1,000 page “History of Newton County”, a six year project published in 1988 and the marking of 25 historic landmarks. She loved beauty and nature and served on many civic committees and private organizations aimed at protecting and enhancing the public landscape of Covington. Ever the patriot, Jinx was a 41 year member of Sergeant Newton N.S.D.A.R. where she selflessly served a record number of terms as Regent.
In her autobiographical reflections, Jinx stated that what she had enjoyed the most in her life was being a wife and mother and that she’d like to be remembered as Jean Kimbrough O’Neal Faulkner – Good Citizen.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Merriman Harman Partridge, her sister Patricia O’Neal Lamb and her adored husband and son, Harry Waites Faulkner and Harry Waites (Chip) Faulkner, Jr. Jinx is survived by her very grateful daughter, Laura Elizabeth Faulkner.
Memorial services for Mrs. Faulkner will be held at 11:30am, Monday, December 30, 2013 at The Church of the Good Shepherd with Father Edwin Beckham officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be made to Newton County Historical Society, Restoration Fund – Brick Store, P O Box 2415 Covington, GA 30015. Notes of condolence may be sent to the family of Jean “Jinx” Faulkner c/o J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home at P.O. Box 266, Covington, GA 30015 or maybe left on-line at www.harwellfuneralhome.com. J.C. Harwell & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Chapel, 2157 East Street S.E., Covington, GA 30014 is in charge of arrangements. A guest book may be signed on-line at www.harwellfuneralhome.com
