Rhodus Jenkins.Jr.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:6-8 Rhodus Jenkins, Jr., departed this life on Monday, August 11, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Marie Basterfield Jenkins and father, Rhodus Jenkins, Sr. Rhodus Jr. was born on January 3, 1950 in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. He was the second child born to Rhodus Jenkins Sr. and Ethelean Miller Jenkins. Rhodus early years of education were received at public schools of Williamsburg County. After his family moved to Richmond, Virginia, he attended the Richmond Public School and was a very proud graduate of Armstrong High School, “WildCats”, Class of 1969, where he was well known, well liked and yes, (smile) well dressed. At the age of 12, he was baptized and accepted Christ and joined St. Paul’s Baptist Church. Rhodus rededicated his life to Christ in January 2014 at Worship and Praise Church. Being the only living brother of three sisters, Rhodus played and mastered his sisters games – jack rocks, bowling bat, as well as, the boy games – marbles, and yo-yo. He even became just as good as his sisters in cleaning up the house. Whether it was time to play or time to work or time to get a point across, Rhodus was going to do it, meticulously, precisely, and with exactness! As a young boy he would meet lifetime guy friends, like brothers, Daniel Mosby and Jessie Jones. The three of them along with some other guy friends would spend almost every Sunday together just “hanging out” or sitting in front of the TV “talking rubbish” about each other football or basketball teams. Rhodus was then a “Green Bay Packers” fan and after some 50 years was still a fan now “talking football rubbish” with his son, Derrell. Working became a part of Rhodus life style at a young age–from shoe shine, newspaper delivery and storebag boy. Upon his graduation, he immediately went to work for a cabinet making company. He later became employed with the Richmond Public Schools, where he remained a diligent and devoted custodial supervisor for 31 years and 3 months. He loved his job and even accepted the promotion to superintendent for a period of time. On December 20, 1980, Rhodus married Carolyn Marie Basterfield. He was a loving and a dutiful husband. During the illness of his wife, he was devoted and gave her unconditional loving care. This love was also shown to his family and friends, near and far. Rhodus always had a listening ear and took everything in before he would utter a word. He had people’s best interest at heart at all times. He was called by so many different nicknames: Roach”, “Jenk”, “Charlie Brown”, and even “Junie Bug”. During his 10 days of illness at home, his nurse/caregivers, Laurie Brown, Min. Evelyn Carter and Arnie Kirven quickly grew to love “his smiles”, “determined strength”, “sometimes witty looks”, and “his loving spirit”. Rhodus leaves to cherish his memory a loving son, Derrell L. Jones (Dianna); three granddaughters, Tiera E. and Ciera J. Averett and Nautica S. Jones; three great-grand-children; mother, Ethelean M. Jenkins; three sisters, Ora M. Wright (David), Gloria J. Pye (John) and Carol Ann Purnell; mother of his son, Marian Jones; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, a loyal and loving friend, Debra Kirven, caring friends, Jessie Jones, Daniel Mosby and Rita Cousins.

Tributes

Rhodus Jenkins.Jr.

January 3, 1950 - August 11, 2014