Gwendolyn Louise Jenkins

Gwendolyn Louise Jenkins was born in Birmingham Alabama on October 21, 1923.  She was the only child of Ira and Joetta Hurd.  At the age of 5, Gwendolyn moved with her family to Massillon, Ohio.  She grew up in Massillon and was a proud Washington High School graduate.  Gwendolyn met Fred Jenkins, a musician from Malvern Ohio.  They were married June 22, 1941 and remained married for 79 years.  They had five children, Karen Anita, Myra Etta, Gary Frederick, Michael Thomas and David Myron. 

Gwen was a devoted and loyal wife.  She often travelled with her husband, Fred, Brother In Law, Duke and Sister In Law, Christina Jenkins. Gwendolyn was a vital part of the inception of the Hair Weeve process and supported her Sister In Law every step of the way for Christina to perfect her invention.  As a result of her support, she decided to go to Cosmetology School and became a beautician and a Hair Weeve Technician for over 20 years.  She also worked one year in the head start program and decided at age 46 to enroll into Cleveland State University.  Gwendolyn earned her Bachelors Degree in Education and became a certified LD Resource Teacher in the Cleveland Public School System.  She continued her education and finished her Master’s Program in LD Education.  She was a very committed and dedicated teacher.  Gwendolyn believed all children were capable of learning and becoming successful.  Several of students proved her right by earning their own college degrees. 

Gwendolyn loved to travel.  She and her husband Fred made many road trips and several cruises.  Her ultimate trip experience was the trip she made to the Holy Land.  She felt blessed to make that pilgrimage.

Gwendolyn was a faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church for more than 50 years.  She was a Deaconess, she served as the President of the Bethany “Shine On” Club and served on the church’s Burial Committee.  She was also a member of Church Women United.  Gwendolyn loved serving God and was an advocate for many women.  She served in her Community for many years.   She loved her Pastor, Reverend Albert T and Carrie Mae Rowan and their Family, as well as, the entire Bethany Baptist Church Family.  Gwendolyn loved teaching children and her final instructions were, “Tell all the Children that I love them”!

Gwendolyn Louise Jenkins died peacefully in her sleep on January 16, 2021.  She was proceeded in her death by her parents, Ira Hurd and Joetta Williams, her husband of 79 years, Frederick D. Jenkins and her Son, Michael T. Jenkins. She leaves to mourn her children, Karen (Tazzerall) Pitts, Myra (Curtis) Lowery, Gary (Naudrey) Jenkins and David (Monique) Jenkins, 13 Grandchildren, 33 Great Grandchildren and 13 Great Great Grandchildren.  Beloved Nephew, Herman (Goldie) Jenkins Jr and Loving First Cousins Jeanette Abbott and Linda Szyc. Special Childhood Friend of over 90 years, Audrey Snowden. A Host of Many Relatives and Friends.  The family wish to thank and acknowledge Patricia Townsend for her loving care given to both our parents for five years.

Gwendolyn was a kind and generous woman.  She believed in helping others to be their very best, no matter what their profession.  She spent her entire life empowering other women always creating an environment of inclusion. Although she was an only child, she had many Sisters!  Isabelle, Ella, Janie and Audrey were our “Aunties”.  Gwendolyn believe that in giving back to your family and community, you begin to build equity and make both an essential part of progressing our community.  It was her mantra to give and she tried to teach others to do the same.  Her belief was that we are all a small part of God’s great plan.  She was indeed a virtuous woman.

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