Jenna Beth D'Amore

Memorial Service Jenna D'Amore Livestream Link

Jenna Beth D’Amore, age 46, died in Durham, NC on August 24, 2024. She was born on October 31, 1977 to Belinda S. Boley and the late Russell H. Boley.

Jenna grew up in Circleville, Ohio, where her deep sense of community, love for fall festivities, and cooking were cultivated. These early experiences shaped her into someone who valued her roots, lived in the moment, and cherished the simple joys of life.

Jenna attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where she majored in English and honed her skills in the fine art of waiting tables. Her academic journey continued at the University of Central Florida, where she earned a master’s degree in Management Information Systems, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to start a career in IT, as well as to become an entrepreneur later in life.

Jenna's passion for community and local agriculture was evident in her role in helping to start the South Durham Farmers’ Market. As a board member during its formative years, she championed new farms and local produce, fostering connections between farmers and the community.

Her love for cooking extended beyond the kitchen. Jenna was an avid collector of historical cookbooks, which led her to establish Blackbird Cookbooks, a business dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of culinary arts. She also had a passion for sausage making, even collaborating with a friend to start a book about the science of sausage making. Her creativity shone through in her growing business, Little Ace Ice Cream, where she delighted customers with innovative ice cream sandwiches.

Jenna’s adventurous spirit took her across the globe, most notably to Spain, where she hiked the Camino de Santiago four times. Fluent in French, she found joy in her frequent visits to Paris, a city she adored. After a troubling incident on the Camino that left many women afraid to hike alone, Jenna took action. She became a beacon of support by co-leading Camigas, an online community that empowered women to connect, prepare, and confidently embark on their own Camino journeys. Through her unwavering commitment to her values, Jenna inspired countless women to embrace the Camino, whether walking solo or finding solace in the community she helped foster.

Jenna is survived by her husband Philip T. D’Amore, mother Belinda S. Boley, brother Russell D. Boley, and Two Spoiled Terriers. Jenna was preceded in death by her father, Russell H. Boley. 

A service will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 2 pm at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 1113 West Main Street, Durham, NC 27701.

An informal gathering will follow at Motorco Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jenna’s memory to Happy Hills Animal Foundation (hhaf.org). 

The D’Amore family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.