St. Ann Catherine Lawrence Jenkins, 84, passed away 21 May 2023, in her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born January 3, 1939, in Charleston, South Carolina the youngest child of the late Archibald (Archie) Lawrence and Margaret Burke Lawrence. She recently relocated from the Bronx to be closer to her daughter, Selina in Newport News.

Ms. Jenkins enjoyed life, family, swimming, going to senior centers, traveling, and socially advocating for the senior communities.  Troubled and angered by how some seniors were forced to choose either to buy groceries or their medications, she became a spokesperson for Hunger Free NYC.  Ms. Jenkins traveled throughout the New York tri-state area, and to Philadelphia for speaking engagements upon request. She was acknowledged for her service by the NAACP, both state, and local government officials.  During elections you would often find Ms. Jenkins applying pressure for the most vulnerable across the five boroughs.

She also volunteered at local women’s shelters, and hospital nurseries to feed and hold infants going through withdrawal or abandonment.

After working as a receptionist, at the age of 50 she graduated from the College of New Rochelle with Bachelor’s of Art in Human Services.  She was employed by RAINN Home Health Services, and the College of Albert Einstein until her retirement.

Armed with the heart of a lioness, vibrant personality, and infectious smile she never met a stranger.  She was known for always being there whenever it counted.  She had you covered like a momma bear.  She was God fearing and had a servant’s heart.  Helping others was her rent here on Earth.  She was a loving mother, mother in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and a non-judgmental ear.  Her favorite pastimes were line-dancing, talking with family/friends, and being out and about.  Everywhere she went her red bandana was around her neck faithfully.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Herbert I. Jenkins; her brother: Daniel A. Brown Sr; her sisters: Juanita B. Heyward, Olivia B. Pitts, Henrietta B. Birds, and Camile L. Clark; grandson: Donald Ray Young Jr.

Ms. Jenkins leaves to cherish the wonderful memories of her life, her children: Corcetter J. Huguley (Harold), and Selina J. Tyler (Warren Jr.); her grandchildren: Terra Y. Lovelace (Jermaine), and Tiffany N. Young; her great-grandchildren: Kaylah L. Huddleston (Cedric), Isaiah J. Lovelace, and Carter J. Cooper; her sister: Sustella M. Waddell and many nieces, nephews, and bonus children.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Family of St. Ann Catherine Jenkins would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the many acts of kindness, love, and compassion shown to them during this most difficult time. 

Her daughter, Selina would love to send a special thank you to Ms. Malette Marion, Ms. Angelina George, Ms. Alaira Ashford, Ms. Diane Paden, Ms. Gladys Melchoir, and Mr. JesseCrawford. When our Mom’s health began to decline you all showered her with love, care, support, sustenance, and the respect she was deserved and entitled to.  Family Forever.

It is the desire of the Jenkins family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mrs.  St. Ann Jenkins has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

In  lieu of Flowers: Please donate to The Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation.