Ethel Doris 'Aline' Jenifer

Ethel Doris Jenifer, known to friends and family as Aline Jenifer or Aunt Aline, was born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 22, 1919. She was one of twelve children born to the late Arthur and Estelle Jenifer. She was raised in Baltimore City and was educated in the Baltimore Catholic School system.. For most of her adult life, she was employed in the filed of domestic services and developed several life-long friendships with her employers and their families.Aline never married or had any children. However, she was surrogate mother and caregiver to countless nieces and nephews. To understand just what that meant, you have to understand what it meant to be one of the Jenifer sisters. The supported one another, cared for one another, fought with one another, and most importantly, loved one another. When one sister was ill or recovering from childbirth, another sister was there to tend to her home and care for her children. Aline could always be counted upon to step in without hesitation and provide that type of support.As her nieces and nephews grew into adolescence, she continued to hold a significant place in their lives. She participated in their first communions, confirmations, birthdays, graduation, etc. Frequently, she would host them and their guests at her home for luncheons, dinners and other family activities. Aunt Aline had a kind and generous spirit and a true sense of humor. She was no pushover though. If you got out of line, she knew how to quickly get you back in line. Yet she never had to lay a hand on you. You simply knew that Aunt Aline didn’t play and you conducted yourself accordingly.Aline was a devout member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church for over 40 years. She was active in such ministries as the St. Ambrose Helping Hands organization, the Adult Choir, and the Community Outreach Center. Service was her nature and she extended a helping hand to anyone in need.Over the last few years, it became increasingly difficult for Aunt Aline to independently care for herself. Nevertheless, she was able to maintain her health, well being, and dignity because of the tireless efforts of her loving godson, Phillip Sheppard. He was her caretaker, her nurse, her chauffer, her everything. He was her lifeline. They shared a special bond that was as strong as any bond shared by a mother and her son. Though she had no children of her own, Phil was God’s gift to Aunt Aline.Aline Jenifer departed this life on June 30, 2003. She leaves to mourn countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, godchildren and other relatives and friends. Aunt Aline, your family awaits you. Go with love to join John, Hilda, Loretta, Robert, Howard, Cecelia, Magdelen, Rose, Bernard, Veronica and Walter. You closed the ancestral circle for that generation - a generation that leaves to its descendants a legacy of pride, dignity and love.

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Ethel Doris 'Aline' Jenifer

August 22, 1919 - June 30, 2003