Rev.Dr. Tommie L. Jenkins Sr.

Rev. Dr. Tommie L, Jenkins, Sr. was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. William Jenkins in Shorter, Alabama (near Tuskegee) on June 6, 1929. He was educated in the Shorter, Alabama school system. In 1950, Rev. Jenkins moved to Baltimore where shortly thereafter, he met and married the love of his life, Romaine Mitchell, on June 6, 1953. Affectionately known as “Honey,” she was the apple of his eye and wind beneath his wings. As long as she was happy, he was happy! From this union four children were born, Tommie, Jr., Gloria, Eva, and Eva, and Wendy. Prior to the marriage there was one daughter, Juanita Forte-Riley. Rev Jenkins was a very ambitious young man who would do anything in his power to provide a good life for his young family. He worked various jobs and retired from Hillen Tires in 1984 after years of distinguished service. His favorite pastimes were reading the Bible, fishing with friends, and time with family. Rev Jenkins enjoyed spending time with his favorite won, Tommie, Jr. aka “Prince of Egypt”, and his two son-in-laws, Darryl Thornton and Gregory Zollicoffer. There was standard lifestyle presented in his household… no washing or ironing clothes nor attending the movies on Sunday because it was the Lord’s Day and we had to keep it holy. Known as “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren for whom he had tremendous affection, he was the daycare provider (allowing them to do anything they wanted to do as long as they didn’t kill each other), Granddaddy transporter and a counselor to the kids. He enjoyed taking his grandson Joshua with him commune the sick and shut-in, Kmart, and Bi-Rite supermarket. Rev. Jenkins became a member of St. Paul Christian Community Church in 1953 where Rev. Edward M. Revels was Pastor. He served as president of Senior Choir #2 and superintendent of the Sunday school. A very dedicated man to church and God he always said, ‘if I can help somebody, my living will not be in vain. Rev. Jenkins loved gospel music of and a singer with union Gospel Singers of Baltimore, MD. In 1954, he answered to a higher calling and began to preach the of God. He received his Ministerial Training under the late Rev. Edward Revels and graduated from the Baltimore School of the Bible while working three jobs and raising his children. On July 30, 1982, Rev. Jenkins received his Doctor of Divinity Degree from Virginia Seminary. He was elected as the president of the United Council of Maryland and Vicinity and served in this position for four years. Rev. Dr. Jenkins set the precedence for all ministers in training and often said, “A preacher should dress dignified and carry himself as a man of God. He modeled this because he did not entertain active wear and thought a suit and tie was the appropriate attire to be worn at most occasions for one whom representative of the clergy. In 1964, Rev. Dr. Jenkins was inspired by the Spirit of God to open up his own church, starting out with only seven members at “Little” St. John C.C. located at 2001 Green mount Avenue. He did not mind the few members and kept saying, “If I can help just one then my living won’t be in vain.” The Lord saw that he was thankful and grateful with a few members and blessed him with so many more he had to move to larger building, located at 1708 Hope Street. There he shared with his congregation many times, “The Lord will make a way somehow,” The Lord blessed him with more than six hundred members. Rev. Dr. Jenkins again realized that he needed another building. The Lord spoke and said, “Stand still. I’m going to give you a new building and a new location, but you will remain at the same place. For on this rock I’ll build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” On Sunday, August 26, 1979, dedicatorial service was held for a newly built church located at 1208 East Lanvale Street (corner of Lanvale and Aisquith Streets). Re. Dr. Jenkins often says, “What you need God’s got it. He’s got everything you need.” Rev. Dr. Jenkins loved spending time with his church family. Prayer, praise and divine healing services were the highlight of his week. If there were just two members in attendance. The church doors were open and service continued as if there were ten thousand people in attendance. Many preachers and churches were birthed as a result of his teaching and preaching, any many more were set free from the fetters of sin by the uncompromising Gospel that he preached. He loved and shepherded his people with a firm but caring hands as a father and taught the church that Holiness was the stand, and that we ought to strive to be just as God is…Holy. Rev. Dr. Jenkins had strong constitution and believed that each person should strive to reach the highest level of achievement. His mantra was, “With God all things are possible.” Re. Dr. Tommie Jenkins, Sr. leaves to cherish his memory, loving wife of 59 years, Romaine Jenkins; one son, Rev. Tommie Jenkins, Jr., four daughters, Juanita Forte-Riley, of Charleston, SC., Gloria Jackson (known to him as grandma), Dr. Eva Thornton, Rev. Wendy Zollicoffer; three son-in-laws, Robert Riley, Deacon Darryl Thornton, Rev. Gregory Zollicoffer; a special daughter, Renee Jenkins (affectionately known as Nay) and an adopted daughter, Gale Moore; eleven grandchildren, Robert Riley, Mark Riley, Shalicia Rich, Romaine Jenkins, Tommie Jenkins,III Rachel Jenkins Keyaira Williams, Shareese Jackson, Morgan Stevenson, Jr., (Rachael), Joshua Stevenson, Joel Stevenson, Michael Reid, and Jerhi Curry, (Ramiah); nine great grandchildren, James Brodie, Damon Williams, Janelle Williams, Janiya Johnson, Jereiah Curry, Shalise Rich, Antoine Rich, Blair Stevenson, and Josiah Glover; two sisters, Hester Mae Brown and Elishbell Moore; faithful nephews, Howard James and Edward Anthony; a niece Leelabell Sewell; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends,and many brothers, and sisters, in the Lord.

Tributes

Rev.Dr. Tommie L. Jenkins Sr.

June 6, 1929 - September 15, 2012