Viola Jenette Jenkins

Viola migrated from Miami to New England when she was young. One of fourteen children, she resided in New London. She later met the love of her life, her late husband, Daniel D. Jenkins Jr. They started their life together in Norwich where they raised their five beautiful children. Dan and Viola’s love for one another gave everyone that knew them a lesson in unconditional love. They leave behind an amazing legacy of love, dignity, respect and loyalty.

Viola had a love for children. She dedicated a good portion of her life to working with children and sharing her heart with children as a nurturing mother figure. Viola had the privilege to work in the Norwich school system and she continued her work with children at Waterford Country School, retiring in 2011.

Viola, also known as 'Chinky' to her loved ones, loved to have gatherings and connect with her family and friend, through her amazing food. She was notorious for her Sunday meals. Some of her signature dishes included her spaghetti with salad and garlic bread, sweet tea, blueberry doobie and her homemade strawberry shortcake. She prepared these meals with nothing but love. Viola and Dan were also known for their cookouts that were so much fun! If you experienced the cookouts, then consider yourself special and blessed. Viola nourished our souls with good times, good food and her love for everyone will not be forgotten.

Together Viola and Dan have five children. Viola was an amazing woman who loved all of her children and always put them first. She adored her grandchildren and enjoyed spoiling them to no end. For those who became a part of the family, she loved you like her own.

Viola fought hard to maintain the parts of her life that the diseases took and was courageous and strong through it all. Viola is no longer fighting; she is resting anew and partying it up in heaven with the Lord and her loved ones who have gone home before her.

Viola is predeceased by her father Richard Hadley, her mother Darletha Pitts-Hadley, her husband Daniel D. Jenkins Jr., her sister Teresa Hobbs, her brothers Richard Hadley Jr. and Kevin (Dee) Hadley.

Viola leaves behind her children Clifford and Monica Jenkins, Karl Jenkins, Michelle Jenkins, Daniel and Shannon Jenkins, and Victoria and Lamont Delancey

Grandchildren Jessica Jenkins, Octavia and Merzilas Braboy, Olivia Jenkins, Noah Jenkins, Maryah Jenkins, Zavier Jenkins, Ethan Gillespie, Brittany Robinson, and Daniella Jenkins

Great grandchildren Eshaad Jenkins, Ajae Jenkins and Mackenzie Robinson

Viola also leaves behind her loving sisters and brothers from the Jenkins and the Hadley family along with a host of beautiful nieces and nephews and longtime friends.