Keith Russell Jenkins

KEITH R. JENKINS was born on October 3, 1965, in Seattle, Washington to the union of Johnie and Bertha Mae Jenkins. Keith, born number ten of thirteen children, was affectionally known as “Russell” to his family and close friends. Keith accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor Melvin Darden in Seattle, WA.

Keith graduated from Franklin High School in 1983, worked at Jenkins Asphalt as a paver, ran by his father, for several years until entering the United States Armed Forces in 1988. Throughout his military career he served in the Dessert Storm conflict in Iraq, several deployments including two tours to Korea and served all across the United States including Alaska, New York, Alabama, and Texas until honorably discharged in 1997.

In 1990 Keith married Bernie Fernandez, and together they raised two daughters. Later in life he reunited with his eldest daughter and was blessed with one of the highlights of his life, his grandson Khaliel.

After completing his military service and returning home, Keith joined New Direction Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Matthew J. Thornton where he served as a faithful Deacon and the church “grill master”.

Keith was a member of several organizations including Timothy Lodge #202, International Free & Accepted Masons in Boynton Beach, FL, Skyway VFW 9430, Federal Aviation Administration Certification tester, The American Legion and so much more.

Keith was larger than life and loved traveling internationally especially with the love of his life Shareece and with his beloved Seahawks team, fishing, cooking/smoking his famous “BBQ”, entertaining family and friends, chilling at home with his spoiled furry son “Juno” and early morning walks with the “old guy crew”. Keith will be met in Heaven by; his parents Johnie & Bertha Mae Jenkins, sister Donna M. Barber and favorite uncle Tommy Lee Jenkins. Keith leaves to cherish his memory three daughters; Sodonia R. Hollingsworth (LaQuisha), Kiara Y. Jenkins, Kiana R. Jenkins all of Seattle, WA, One furry son; “Juno” Jenkins; One grandson and fishing buddy Khaliel T. Hill; the love of his life Shareece Hayes, Ten sisters Ada Grace (Frank) of Auburn, WA, Alberta Wilson (Marion, IN), Deloris Johnson (Tacoma, WA), Jewelden Gaines (Federal Way, WA), Bertha Cambridge (Kent, WA), Darlene Adams (Donald) of Seattle, WA, Yvonia Murray – Johnson (Ronald) of Seattle, WA, Diane Jones (Portland, OR), Diana Barber (Burien, WA) and Dionne Kelley (Kent, WA); One brother Alexander Jenkins (Julie) of Lakewood, WA; “Favorite” niece/child Makela Steward (Richard); Godson: Omari Guidry; three aunts: Hattie Mae Jenkins (Georgia), Vera Mae Jenkins and Joyce Jenkins both of (Boynton Beach, FL); Uncle James Brown (Georgia) Loving Friends: Robert (Bobbie) McKinney, Cassandra Daniels, Pledge Keeley, Ray & Beverly Sandals, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends who all loved him dearly and will miss him.

GONE, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN...