Obituary of Jamie Dent

Jamie Lee Murff Dent peacefully passed away on January 7, 2024 in N. Charleston, SC from Multiple Sclerosis.

 

Born on July 2, 1943 in Pensacola, Florida Jamie lived in many places throughout her life, coast to coast from California to Massachusetts, eventually landing in South Carolina.

 

Jamie worked mainly in development and fundraising during her career, a vocation she excelled in and enjoyed.

 

Some of the pastimes she enjoyed during her life were sailing and gardening - I suspect she inherited this from her parents. She was curious about the world and loved to travel until she no longer could - she spoke fondly of her trips to Canada, France and England.  She loved art and music – everything from opera to jazz, and folk to Broadway musicals. She played the piano, and according to our Aunt Kathie, she was the only one of her sisters who actually learned when their mom tried to teach them.

 

She was a sports fan - tennis and football were her favorites, but she could also talk about basketball, soccer and baseball, and she learned about all the sports her grandchildren took part in.

 

While she lived with MS for 30 years, Jamie rarely complained about her health challenges, choosing instead to continue enjoying the things she could. 

 

Most importantly, her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she celebrated (and bragged about) each of their special talents and accomplishments.They could do no wrong…even when they were clearly doing wrong.

 

We probably gave her a few gray hairs as teens, but as adults she was always a cheerleader for us. She had an ability to put people at ease and let them know they mattered.

 

Special thanks to the staff at Life Care Center of Charleston who took wonderful care of our mom.

 

Jamie is survived by her daughters, Christine Heimerdinger and Samantha Longdin; her sisters Ola Lenvik and Kathleen Whiting; grandchildren Kathryn and Madelyn Heimerdinger and Ndozi and Isioma Okolo; son-in-law Felix Okolo; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, James F. Murff and Mildred W. Murff, her husband Rev. Wade G. Dent, and her son-in-law Deron J. Heimerdinger.

 

A memorial service will be held on Monday January 22, 2024 at 2:00 pm. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 316 W. Carolina Avenue, Summerville, SC 29483. 

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