Mary B. Jenkins

Mary Beatrice Jenkins, affectionately known as Bebe, peacefully transitioned from this season of life into eternity early Sunday morning, July 21, 2019 while resting at home. Born on Monday, February 17, 1936, Mary B. was the third and last child of the late Norman A. and Jeannette E. Campbell. She was baptized at a very early age, received her First Holy Communion, Confirmation and was married at St, Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church. Studying under Sister Marilyn and Fr. Kearns, S.S.J., she became the first Eucharistic Minister to give communion during Mass at the altar. At home, Mary B. took great pride in polishing her furniture and silverware, so it gave her much pleasure when deciding to undertake the care of the brass fixtures on the altar. She received her education in the Baltimore City Public School System inclusive of Frederick Douglass High School. During her marriage to Mark W. Bowyer Jr., her loving son, Mark W. Bowyer III and her loving daughter, Marcia Bowyer-Barron were born, her ‘Pride’ and ‘Joy’. Bebe worked at the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicle, now known as MVA, for seven years. She then, started working for the Social Security Administration, relocating in every building in Baltimore from uptown to downtown. After 24 years of service, she retired as a Social Insurance Claims Examiner having received yearly ‘Outstanding Award’ certificates for doing a great job. Bebe enjoyed traveling by car, plane or cruise ship. For years, she made annual trips to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She loved the challenge of complex jigsaw puzzles and computer games. You could always find Bea watching her favorite television game shows; ‘Let’s make a Deal’ & ‘The Price is Right’ in the morning, then ‘Jeopardy’ & ‘Wheel of Fortune’ in the evening. She was a proud member of the social club “Club WE” and loved to say that she was a long standing member of the Social Security Bowling League for over 40 years. She also delighted in watching sports on television, especially professional tennis all hours of the day. And don’t forget how much she delighted in her monthly CASINO trips, weekly BINGO and daily lottery winnings. Bebe was always on the go with a lively spirit. What! You cannot locate her, just go looking for her dining at a local restaurant during lunchtime, certainly, The Windsor Inn on Fridays with the Frederick Douglass H.S. Bunch or at other times the Olive Branch. Bea had a special kind of charisma that attracted and made friends wherever she went. Cards, cards and more cards! Bea always said there was nothing better as a gift than to receive a well selected card from a friend. She definitely!! lived the way she wanted and her departure was no different, the way she wanted, without sickness and pain free. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. Mary Beatrice was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Mark R. Jenkins, her sister Dorothy Reid and her brother Norman Campbell Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving children, Mark III and Marcia; her grandchildren: Robert Ellsworth II (Shireen), Mikal Nazeeh, Raja Zakeeyah, Malika Monet’, Raoul Raheim, Mark Worthington IV, Myron Malachi, Michele Wanda, Reynaud Marcus, Michael Wade, Miah Elizabeth and Willie Bernard IV; 20 great-grandchildren and a multitude of family members and friends.

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Mary B. Jenkins

February 17, 1936 - July 21, 2019