Mrs. Marie Jenkins

Marie's Journey: Marie Jenkins was born in Macon, Georgia on December 8, 1919 to the union of the late Rosa Lee and Bennie L. McClendon Sr. She was the second oldest of seven children, all of which preceded her in death. Marie was educated in the Bibb County School System in Georgia. She confessed Christ at an early age uniting with the St. Mark Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia, under the pastorate of the Rev. Mark Reed. She served dutifully at St. Mark's until she relocated to Detroit, Michigan in the early 1940's to live with a favorite uncle, Henry Ellis, and to further her education. She united in marriage to the late James O. Jenkins in 1945 and to this union two children were born, Phyllis and James Gregory. A Chrysler Corporation retiree, Marie worked at the Mack Ave Plant for 32 years prior to retiring. She loved her job, never failing to report for duty. Following her retirement she looked forward to reuniting with old co-workers at the monthly UAW meetings and the end of the year union luncheons. Marie also enjoyed traveling with family and friends. She always looked forward to annually meeting members of the 485th Port Battalion (Veterans of World War II) and their families. Her travels with the 485th took her across the country, including travel to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska and Canada. She also enjoyed reuniting with family members bi-annually, for the Ellis, Paul, Tuft and Lucas Family Reunion. The last of which, she attended in July 2010, in Macon Georgia, her birthplace. Although she was not in attendance at the 2012 reunion in Denver, Colorado, Marie was recognized as the oldest living family member with a resolution sent from President Barack Obama and a picture of the First Family. A pastime favorite of Marie's was a nightly ritual of watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Scratch off lottery tickets was a habit that was fed by family and friends, especially by "Sugar". Marie took joy in winning nothing or a dollar, it didn't matter she just loved "scratch offs." Marie, had a sweet tooth, she loved Mattie's home baked cakes, which Mattie sent often. Snickers, Milky Ways, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and other chocolates were always close by. She loved her desserts, eclairs and honey buns. A meal wasn't a meal without dessert. Marie was longtime, dedicated member of First Baptist Institutional Church, uniting with First Baptist, under the pastorate of Rev. Benjamin Wright when the church was located in Hamtramck, Michigan. She served faithfully as a member of the Progressive Usher Board until her health began to fail. She was a faithful "Doorkeeper", always greeting you with a smile. After a long illness, Marie was ushered from this earthly place early Friday morning March 14th, into her eternal home where she was re-united with her Father in Christ and other family members and friends.

Mrs. Marie Jenkins

December 8, 1919 - March 14, 2014