Warren Bernard Jenkins

            On March 8, 2023, Warren Bernard Jenkins, passed from this life, leaving family and friends to mourn, but also celebrate a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, relative and friend.

            Born, January 31, 1924, in Tampa, Florida, to Leroy Jenkins and Lillie Mae (Justice) Jenkins, Warren moved to New York City with his mother and Grandmother, Lillie Brigham, at an early age. He grew up in Harlem, where he attended school through junior high school, before leaving school to help support the household.

           On September 5, 1948, Warren married Rita Venitia Powlis. In 1949, Warren joined the National Guard. He served in the National Guard in New York until he was honorably discharged in 1953. Rita and Warren had 3 children, Keith Warren (1957) and twins, Kevin Peter and Theresa Elizabeth (1963). Warren and Rita moved to Huntington, New York in 1963, shortly before the birth of the twins, where they continued to raise their family. Continuing his hard-working ways, Warren continued to help support his family working at numerous jobs, including as a short order cook and a railroad porter.

            Warren worked for 23 years as a letter carrier for the United States Postal service, first in New York City and later in East Northport, New York, where he made numerous friends, including many to whom he delivered the mail. During this time, Warren also earned his high school equivalency degree.

            An avid bowler from his early days in New York City, Warren and Rita bowled in numerous leagues in New York and on Long Island where they introduced bowling to their children. In addition to bowling, Warren enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends, photography, listening to jazz music and watching “old” movies. Warren also loved to laugh, a wonderful gift he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

          A caring father, he, along with his wife, always encouraged their children to pursue their interests and goals. He also supported the family when Rita returned to school to finish college and obtain a master’s degree in special education. When Rita became ill, they moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina, with their daughter, Theresa and her husband, Leon Russ. Prior to Rita’s passing from Alzheimer’s disease in 2018 after a marriage of 69 years, Warren lived with Theresa and Leon, who provided tremendous support and care to Warren until his passing.

          In addition to his children, Keith, Theresa and Kevin and their respective spouses, Jo-Ann Wallace, Leon Russ and Gina Simms, Warren is survived by four grandchildren, Corey Jenkins, Cameron Jenkins, Evan Jenkins, and Kynan Jenkins and a niece, Veronika Powlis.

          Services will be held Monday, March 20, 2023, at the Bobo Funeral Chapel, 1860 Cannons Campgrounds Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. The viewing will be held 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.bobofuneralchapel.com.

          In lieu of sending flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in the name of Warren and Rita Jenkins at the following address; http://act.alz.org/goto/Rita_V_and_Warren_B_Jenkins