Patricia Eileen Jenkins

Our mom, Patricia Eileen Jones – Jenkins was born on April 27, 1946, to Welton and Claudia Jones of Ocala, in the beautiful sunshine state of Florida. She was the first born of 14 children, a big sister to Darryl, Welton Jr., Edward, Darlene (aka Claudia), Jonathan, Charles, Fred, Weldrena, Shirley, Sandra, Cheryl, Tracy, and April. Despite having many mouths to feed, God always provided, and the family’s needs were met. The Family’s foundation was built on love, they were taught about God’s love and had a lot of love to go around. Pat, as she was affectionately called by her husband, family, and friends, was

a great big sister, the love she was taught and cultivated shaped her future career.

Then, after high school, the young Patricia Jones went to Hinsdale, IL to complete her studies and became a Registered Nurse. She now nurtured, loved and cared for her patients just as she did for her siblings and family. It was in Illinois that, she met Charles Jenkins, an Army veteran, and a new member of the Seventh Day Adventist church. After two-years of courtship, they got married on March 2, 1969. The happy newlyweds moved to Chicago, which was dad’s hometown, to a beautiful apartment as mom described it. Shortly thereafter, they both left for Andrews University in Berrien Springs Michigan, where dad went back to school for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It was in Michigan all three of Pat’s children were born, Heather, Jonathan and Adrienne. Pat’s new life revolved around her husband, children, family in Florida and Chicago, friends, work, and her Church. The love she exudes was evident in her adapting to deferring situations, new friends, and new Hospitals she worked at, as her family transitioned to live in different States; Florida, Los Angeles California, Wisconsin, and Indiana. It was during these transitions dad completed his PhD and mom completed her Masters in Health. Again, it was the love factor that made an Impact wherever she went.

Naturally, wherever she went she was regarded, as a kind, loving, considerate, and wise person who loved God and followed Him. She was determined to do right, even when it was difficult to do. Pat treated people all the same, across the board, no matter who they were or where they came from. She played an active role at all the churches she attended, she was also, a highly skilled singer and pianist, whose talents were enjoyed by those who were privileged, to hear her wherever she went.

Pat always gave freely the gifts she had. Pat’s gift of love was also lavished on her children, she was the source of unlimited love for them, care, and guidance. She would help in the best way possible when asked. If she saw us off track, doing something she did not believe was right, she would always be there to correct us, with firmness and love and show us that, we were on the wrong path. She was a true lady, in every sense of the word, with an endless inner strength. Our Mom never gave up, she kept pushing for better. As such, we eagerly sought her out for council, company, and the comfort she gave us. We spent quality time talking, playing, joking around, or just sitting there in silence enjoying her presence.

Mrs. Jenkins passed away at home on October 22, 2023, at the age of 78. She will be greatly missed. Patricia was predeceased by her parents Welton and Claudia Jones, her husband Charles, and her brothers Darryl, Welton Jr., and Jonathan. She is survived by her daughters Adrienne and Heather, her son Jonathan, her two grandchildren Christopher Jenkins and Joshua Jenkins, her brothers and sisters Edward, Darlene (aka Claudia), Charles, Fred, Weldrena, Shirley, Sandra, Cheryl, Tracy, and April, as well as many other relatives, and friends, who loved her a great deal.

Although we are saddened and in anguish, that we do not have her immense and beautiful presence here with us, we will continue to keep the same hope she carried throughout her life, the hope of meeting once again in heaven with her, alive and well forever more.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Lakeview Seventh Day Adventist Church at 9:30 am with graveside services following at 1:30 pm at the Georgia National Cemetery.