Myrtle Jenkins

Sister Myrtle Jenkins was 74, and departed this life on Saturday June 27, 2020 at her home in Marion County. She was the mother of Lysa Dugan, Kenneth M. Reynolds Sr., Tyelise Nelson and Kenneth Reynolds Jr. (Grandson). You may visit the family at 808 Euclid Ave. Marion.

Memorial  services are scheduled to be held at the Jackson & McGill Memorial Chapel on Friday July 10, 2020 at 1:00 pm. The family will provide a guest list of 50 or less people. Services will be live stream on the Jackson & McGill Facebook Page.

The Obituary

Myrtle (Myrt) Jenkins, was born in New York, NY on April 25, 1946 to Louise Pope. She was raised by her Uncle and Aunt, William and Lena Davis from early childhood through her early teens. She was then sent to NY to live with her cousin, Eula and her husband David Morrison who she acknowledged as “Mom and Pop” until her dying day. She loved and respected them dearly and was grateful for their relationship. 

By the age of 23, Myrtle was a widow and divorcee, but also a happy and devoted mother to three children, Kenneth, Lysa and Tyelise. She adored her children and dedicated her entire life to instilling lots of love and good values into them as well as the teachings of Jesus Christ.

In 1971, Myrt gained employment with the U.S. Postal Service. It was during this time that she would meet and later marry Ainsworth (Sonny) Jenkins, who she would refer to as the love of her life. Sonny had four children from a previous marriage: Mark, Debra, David and Duane. Two of them joined he and Myrtle and her three children in their move and new beginning to Co-op City in the Bronx, NY. Myrtle loved her blended family and raised their children well.  She also loved their friends and other kids in her community and became a second mother to many of them.

Upon Sonny’s retirement, Myrtle and he relocated to Marion, SC and she gained employment with the Marion County Water Department (now known as Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority).  After two years, Myrtle resigned to be home to care for her grandson Kenny Jr., who came to live with she and her husband.  Myrt doted on her grandson and enjoyed every minute of raising him.  She often told people that her grandson took she and her husband on a new journey of life.  She loved on him constantly and taught him about Jesus and the necessity of relying on Him First. Through her grandson, Myrtle began caring for countless children in the neighborhood and throughout Marion. She brought them all into her home, mentored them, nurtured them and became known lovingly as “Grann”.  

In 2005, Myrtle joined City of Truth Covenant Church, of the Bronx, NY. She was a very proud and dedicated member who traveled frequently or logged in to attend service each week. Myrtle was the Matriarch of the church and named ”Ma-Myrt” because of her wisdom and love for God. 

              Myrtle Jenkins left this earthly realm on June 27, 2020, after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 74 years old. It would be wrong to say that Myrtle lost her battle because she never stopped fighting and she never stopped trusting God. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined and praising God. When anyone else would have broken, Myrt stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience, perseverance and faith truly look like. Even with this, God gets the glory because we are confident that she is with our Lord and Savior.  

Myrtle was preceded in death by her Mother, Louise; Husband, Ainsworth; Brother: Greg; and Son: David. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Kenneth, Lysa (husband, Derick), Tyelise and grandson, Kenneth Jr.; (3) Children by marriage,  Mark Anthony (wife Pamela Jenkins), Debra Jenkins, and Duane Jenkins; (5) additional grandchildren: Senai, Malik, Deidre, Victor, and Jamal;  Her Mom, Eula; (5) Brothers: Billy, Rick, Wayne, Darrell and Terry; a Sister: Robin; a Cousin that she loved like a sister, Diane (known as Cuz); 2 best friends, Joan and Sandra; A God-daughter, Caroline; An adopted daughter, Ashley Monique; nieces, nephews; and a host of other loving relatives, friends and adopted children.

The family of Sister Myrtle Jenkins, in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state and local community, has decided to hold a private 50 people or less, family only, funeral service for their loved one with private interment immediately following. While the Jenkins family would love to be surrounded by your presence, they acknowledge the health risks to family, church members, friends, and particularly to those who are most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly and those with chronic  health conditions. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding. Thank you for your concern and cooperation.

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