Jennifer Awkard
Jennifer Nadine Awkard, age 47, of Afton, Virginia, passed away on December 14, 2025, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was born on February 21, 1978, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Jennifer a.k.a Jenny a.k.a Jenny Boo was a small compact pistol of attitude with a heart of gold. She was dedicated to her family and friends. She carried her Mother’s spirit of always wanting to help others in need even when she may had a bigger need. To know Jenny was to know all the characteristics of the Smith’s and the Awkard’s. A great mix of her Father and Mother.
While Jenny lived in Virginia, her heart always remained in South Carolina. She spent a lot of her life in South Carolina early on with her Uncle and Aunt and then with our Mother where they both gained friends who became family.
Jenny touched many her short time on earth and will continue doing so even after death. Jenny made the most unselfish decision of her life to become a donor. As a donor she will live on in this world being a part of families near and far.
Jenny was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Ashlyn Hailey Sanders; her mother, Mattie Louise Awkard; her maternal and paternal grandparents; and a host of aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her father, Ernest S. Awkard Jr., and his wife, Janet; her sisters, Priscilla Awkard (Tim) and Bailey Awkard-Nwokogu (Godson); her brother, Khourey Royal (Carol); her aunts, Hilda Awkard, Regenia Smith, and Barbara Cauls; her uncle, Cecile Steppe (Barbara); a host of cousins; her faithful dog, Peppa; and a circle of devoted friends who stood beside her in both joy and sorrow.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the University of Virginia Medical Center, NNICU, for their hard work, compassion, and dedicated care during Jennifer’s time there. A huge heartfelt thank you to the LifeNet Health team that has the hardest job of consoling grieving families while bringing new life into other families.
If you knew Jenny you know how much she hated funerals. Out of respect for her we will plan a small graveside celebration of life this spring/summer. We want to honor Jenny for her life, her gifts and her memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Jenny’s honor.
The family is being served by the Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, Fishersville.
Share memories and condolences at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.
