Nell Ann Jenkins

Nell Ann (Alford) Jenkins crossed the bridge to Heaven on Friday May 22, 2020 at her home in East Lansing with her family at her side. Ann was born on April 3, 1929 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania to the late Ephraim James Alford, Sr., and Ozel Lena (Starr) Alford. A graduate of Chartiers Township High School in McGovern, Pennsylvania, Ann is also a graduate of the Franklin School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Ann attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland for one year. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Ann continued her education taking courses toward a master’s degree in Social Work while working as a Librarian at the Michigan State University main library.

Ann was a longtime Hudson’s sales consultant in Okemos beginning in 1982 and retiring in 2004. She approached her position with purpose and spent 22 years serving her community. Following her retirement, Ann worked at the Sears department store in Lansing, Michigan.

Ann also served as an Election Inspector for the city of East Lansing and served for many years as Chairman of her precinct. She was an avid fan of national and international soccer, and enjoyed working on her crossword puzzles, reading, cooking, golf, and horseback riding.

She was preceded in death by her husband William Jenkins, Sr., and her sons William Jenkins, Jr., and Peter Jenkins. Sister Betty Jean Smith, and three brothers Ephraim Alford, Jr., Thomas Alford, and Walter Alford also preceded her in death.

Ann is survived by her children: Michael Jenkins, Leslie Jenkins, Christopher (Georgelon) Jenkins, Lisa Jenkins, Stacy Jenkins-Crillo, M.D. (Darryl), Courtney (Perry) Sylvester, and Melissa Jenkins; and grandson Casey Sylvester. Also surviving is sister Dorothy Lacey.

A private family funeral will be held at a later date. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses and other caregivers at Sparrow Home Hospice for their comfort, kind, and compassionate support and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sparrow Home Hospice, 1210 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48915 in memory of Ann Jenkins. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com. Arrangements are by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes-East Lansing Chapel.