Thelma (Matthews) Jenkins

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness II Timothy 4 7-8.

The bible speaks of the various seasons that God has planned for his people, it tells us to everything, there is a time and a season to every purpose under the heaven. Mother Thelma Matthews Jenkins reached the end of her season on October 8th, 2020 peacefully at Henry Ford Hospital surrounded by her loved ones.

Mother Thelma Matthews Jenkins affectionately known as “Sis” was born on May 16th,1936 to the Union of the late Albert and Jessie Matthews in Chicago IL.

Mother Jenkins was accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. She was baptized at Progressive Missionary Church in Chicago, IL under the leadership of the late Pastor T.E Brown.

Mother Jenkins attended Robert S. Abbott Elementary School and Wendell Phillips High School in Chicago IL.

Mother Jenkins met and married the late Charles Jenkins. Mother Jenkins worked various jobs at Holiday Inn and Eau Claire Packing where she later retired from.

Mother Jenkins moved to Benton Harbor MI in 1978. She attended St. Mark Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. John Price.  She then moved her membership to Second Baptist Church in 1984 under the leadership of the late Rev. Donald B. Adkins where she served on the Nurses Guild. She then relocated to Messiah Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev Clifton Rhodes where she attended Sunday School every Sunday. She was Co tribal leader of the tribe of Obadiah. She was a caller for the Interchurch Ministry and every First Sunday night she participated with Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

In 2014 Mother Jenkins relocated to Benton Harbor, MI with her daughter Sandra. She then moved her membership back to Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Kenneth M. Gavin where she was on the Mothers Board.

Mother Jenkins loved to cook and was known for her Sweet potato pies. She loves to travel and made sure you didn’t leave her out. She has been to various Islands as well as cruise.

Mother Jenkins leaves her legacy in her children Sandra and Arion (Edna) Jenkins both of Benton Harbor, MI. 6 brothers Albert (Mamie) Matthews of South Haven, MS, Perry Matthews of Palm Desert, CA, Walter (Jackie) Matthews of Chicago, IL, Hurbert and Herbert ( Rev. Precious) Matthews and Cecil Matthews all of Chicago IL.  2 sisters Lee Bertha Richardson and Yvonne (Steve) Pelmore. 5 Grand Children; LaShonda Jenkins of Nashville, TN, Arion (AJ) Jenkins of Charlotte, NC, and Keyonna Jenkins, Niesha Jenkins, and Larry (Darnell) Word II all of Benton Harbor. 17 Great-grandchildren; Godson Steve Pelmore Jr, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Church Family and Friends.

Mother Jenkins was preceded in death by her parents, her twin Elbert and brother James Matthews, daughter Sharon Jenkins, and granddaughter Latoya Jenkins

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