Leomia Jenkins

Leomia was born on the 13th day of June 1924 to the union of Florence McGrew Tillman and Charles Tillman. in St. Louis, Missouri. Leomia was the first of two children. Her sister Mildred was born on August 3, 1925. Leomia loved her sister and called her “baby” for years, only later calling her “Mil.” She shared that special love and unbreakable bond with her sister all of her life.

Leomia was raised in the loving care of her paternal grandparents and her Aunt Lizzie. She began her education in 1931 at Evergreen Missionary Baptist Elementary in Murphy Bayou, Mississippi. Leomia took to her bible studies intently, encouraged by her father who introduced her to Sunday school. Leomia told us that her Grandma and Grandpa had a large dinner table where they all ate and recited bible verses. She said that every morning and at bedtime they would recite the Lord’s Prayer or Jesus Wept. The first song she remembered was “Come to Jesus

In 1940, Leomia moved to Greenville, Mississippi where she attended Coleman High School. That’s where she met and fell in love with Sullivan Montgomery. She married Mr. Montgomery on November 30th 1962 and subsequently gave birth to seven children: Millie, Sullivan, Harvey, Walter, George, Floyd and Florence. Leomia was a loving mother and her home was always filled with laughter, good food and lots of love. Leomia excelled in the kitchen and was sought after to provide baked goods for church events and fund raisers. In 1957, she moved her family to Seattle, Washington. Leomia said it was the worst train ride she had ever endured with record cold and a six month old baby named Raymond. She went to work at Seattle Laundry Service and soon after gave birth to Charles in 1958. Leomia remained steadfast in her love of Christ - always thanking Jesus and praising his name.

Leomia’s sister Mildred introduced her to Henry Jenkins at a picnic in the summer of 1958. Leomia and Henry were married on March 5th 1960. From that union was born the final three of Leomia’s twelve children: Felicia, Henry and John. In 1966 Leomia and Henry decided to start a new life in California. Leomia, Henry, Grandma McGrew and all the children, moved to Patterson, California to be near Henry’s nieces Velma and Lil. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Sand Hill and ultimately to Modesto California. There the family joined the Peace Church of God and Christ, Pastor Ora Bassard presiding. Leomia was the church secretary taking care of the church finances. When the church was paid off, she handed the deed of ownership to Pastor Bassard.

In 1978, after her children were grown and gone, Leomia and Henry moved to Winfield, Louisiana to relax and enjoy their golden years together. When Henry got ill, they moved back to Modesto where he was laid to rest. After Henry passed in 1982, Leomia moved back to Seattle, WA reuniting with her mother, her sister and her family. Leomia spent the next years helping to raise her grandchildren, and as always, remained active in her church. Leomia dedicated her life to Jesus and no matter where she moved she always found a church to join.

Leomia was a generous woman, always giving even when she had little to give. She sponsored children through World Vision, supporting one little boy in Africa from age 9 to 18. She befriended those in need providing shelter, food and the love of Christ to friends and strangers alike. Leomia’s memory will always warm our hearts and put a smile on the faces of all those she brought joy to over the years.

Leomia is preceded in rest by her parents Charles Tillman II and Florence McGrew, husbands Sullivan Montgomery and Henry Jenkins, brother Charles Tillman III, sister Mildred Locke and grandson Walter Montgomery Jr. She is survived by her children, Millie Montgomery, Sullivan Montgomery (Pat), Harvey Montgomery (Nancy), Walter Montgomery (Pacine), George Montgomery, Floyd Montgomery (Wanda), Florence Montgomery (Shawn), Raymond Montgomery (Trudy), Charles Montgomery (Traysi), Felecia Warren (Tommy), Henry Jenkins II and John Jenkins, her sister Elizabeth Tate, cousin Bett Stewart, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Greenwood Funeral Home, Renton, WA.