Claude Edward Jenkins, Sr.

??Dr. Claude Edward Jenkins, Sr. was born to Eless Franks on December 17, 1950, in Fort Worth, Texas.  At the age of two, he went to live with his godparents, Pastor Jessie and Ruby Green and they raised him until he was 18 years old.He graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School after which he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.  (USMC).  While serving in the USMC, Pastor Jenkins met the love of his life, Gloria Jean Countryman.  On July10, 1971, the two were married and have been inseparable and united for 48 years of love, harmony, and matrimony.  Their blessed union sent them two children of whom they love dearly.Pastor Jenkins proudly served his country for 8 years and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.  After being honorably discharged, he went to Houston Lighting and Power (HL&P) where he worked as a journeyman instrumentation technician.  while working at HL&P, Pastor Jenkins attended Theology School where he earned his Doctorate Degree. After 18 years of service with HL&P, he began his journey as the pastor of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, where he served for two years.  Shortly thereafter, he was called once again to preside as pastor of Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church, where he served proudly for eight years.After eight years of faithful service, Pastor Jenkins was then called upon to serve as pastor of Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where he served for 18 glorious years.Pastor Jenkins is proceeded by his parents, Pastor Jessie and Mrs. Sis. Ruby Green; biological mother, Eless Franks-Lacy; brothers, Lee Andrew Jenkins and Vernon Charles; sister, Faye Ross; and grand-daughter, Lamiria Harleston.Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Gloria Countryman-Jenkins; his son, Claude Edward Jenkins, Jr.; his daughter, Angelica Thompson-Jenkins (Tony Sr.); five grandsons: Elijah Jenkins, Claude Edward Jenkins, III., Tony Thompson, Jr., Corinthian Thompson, Josiah Thompson, and a host of relatives and friends.He is remembered by scores of friends he has not only taught, but raised, loved, and protected as the great man he is.  Pastor Claude E. Jenkins, Sr. is the definition of love, knowledge, and legacy and will leave a tasting impression on all he has touched.