Jewel Moody Pinkerton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jewel Moody Pinkerton, 95, who peacefully left us on April 22, 2025. Born in Hayesville, NC, on June 26, 1929, Jewel was the daughter of the late Amanda Mathison Moody and William Tilson Moody. She was raised in Candler, NC, and was a proud member of her community.

In addition to her parents, Jewel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Lee Pinkerton, Sr., and her siblings: Claude Moody, Ed Moody, Luther Moody, Gertrude Roberts, Willa Mae Kirkpatrick, and Blanche Moody. She leaves behind her son, John Lee Pinkerton, Jr., and his wife Paula Bowers Pinkerton; three grandsons, John Michael Pinkerton (Irina) of Fishers, IN, James Thomas Pinkerton of Dallas, TX, and David Lee Pinkerton (Bailey) of Cape May, NJ; and four great-grandchildren, Alexandra Lee Pinkerton, John Paul Pinkerton, and William Michael Pinkerton of Fishers, IN, and Maggie Grace Pinkerton of Cape May, NJ. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was especially close to her late niece Carolyn Roberts, with whom she shared a special bond, traveling both domestically and internationally. Her nephew, Jim Kirkpatrick, was also very dear to her.

Jewel retired after 35 years of dedicated service with the American Enka Company and later worked part-time for many years with American Greetings. A proud graduate of Candler High School, she was a standout athlete, named to the All-County Basketball Team. After retirement, Jewel embraced her love for adventure and traveled extensively around the world. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandsons, watching them play sports, and sharing in their milestones.

A dedicated member of Oak Forest Presbyterian Church, Jewel served as a church officer and was an active participant in a women’s circle group for many years. In addition to her spiritual and family life, Jewel had a knack for making others smile. She was a proud graduate of clown school, where she took on the persona of Pinky the Clown. Her playful spirit and antics brought laughter and joy to both children and adults of all ages.

Jewel’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and lifelong learning. She touched the lives of everyone she met and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of Jewel’s life will be held at on Saturday, April 26, in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. with the service beginning at 12:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth & Families, 80 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.