Jewel Maxine Pinkins

With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Jewel Maxine (Perry) Pinkins, who was born in Batesville, Mississippi, on September 10, 1935. She was the sixth of seventeen children born to Bertha and Nathanial Perry.

Walter Pinkins met Jewel when they were teenagers in Mississippi. They married on April 4, 1953, both only 18 years old, and soon began their family of six children. Early in their marriage, they moved to Indianapolis, where they built a loving home and shared a beautiful 67-year union before Walter’s passing in 2020.

Jewel devoted herself to her family as a stay-at-home mother, caring deeply for her husband, children, and household. She also became a trusted babysitter for many families in Indianapolis, helping to raise countless children over the years. To so many, she was lovingly known as “Grandma.” She was the dependable person neighbors could call on, whether for planned care or a last-minute need. Jewel’s love, kindness, generosity, and nurturing spirit left a mark on everyone who knew her. She modeled her life after the Proverbs 31-woman, embodying faithfulness, wisdom, and strength.

Jewel was also a support system to so many. She often reminded her family and friends, “You can call me anytime, day or night, I don’t care what time it is.” And she meant it. She wanted her loved ones to know they could always depend on her, no matter the hour.

She loved the Lord and lived her faith daily. Baptized as a child in Batesville, Mississippi, she later became a dedicated member of Zion Hope Baptist Church under Pastor James Wells, and then Greater Northwest Baptist Church under Pastor Claude Robinson. She studied her Bible faithfully, shared her testimony, and encouraged others to walk with God. She also cherished sitting on her porch, catching up with family and neighbors, always ready with laughter, gentle teasing, or wise counsel.

Jewel had a green thumb and took pride in her beautiful plants and gardens. She was also a remarkable cook. Family, friends, and neighbors looked forward to her homemade biscuits, chicken and dressing, potato salad, and especially her famous fried chicken. Her cakes, baked lovingly from scratch, were even mailed across states, delighting not only her son in college but also his friends, who eagerly awaited those special packages. Once, she even prepared enough fried chicken for her grandson’s entire college basketball team. Her food always carried her love, and everyone who tasted it knew it.

Beyond her love of family, faith, and home, Jewel also made time to care for herself. She enjoyed walking the Short Ridge track when her children were young and was faithful in rising early to exercise.

Jewel transitioned to Heaven peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, with family by her side, just 15 days shy of her 90th birthday. She was indeed a rare jewel and a precious blessing to all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, health, and love that will live on for generations.

Jewel was preceded in death by her, Husband, Walter C. Pinkins, Sr.; Granddaughter, LaSandra Hooten; Great Grandson, Mikey Mason, Jr.; Parents, Bertha & Nathanial Perry; 12 Siblings: Nathaniel Perry Jr., John Perry, Junior Perry, Bradley Perry, Edwin Perry, Sterling Perry, Julius Perry, O’Neal Perry, Marcella Perry, Bertha Perry, Vergie Stephney & Emma Dews.

Those left to cherish her legacy and love are her 4 Siblings: Eva Butler; Olson Perry; Dorothy Slaughter; Sheila Brooks. 6 Children: Walter Pinkins, Jr.; Ronald Pinkins (Diane); Maxine Pinkins; Anita Bullock; Olson Pinkins (Malaina); & Debra Pinkins. 12 Grandchildren: Rita Green (Chris); Brian Pinkins (Julie); Denae Pinkins; Cherrelle Johnson (Christopher); Sinclair Bullock; Christopher Pinkins (Tierra); Charissa Pinkins; Dominique Pinkins; Dyamond Pinkins; Deanna Greer; Drey Greer; & Daelin Greer. 13 Great Grandchildren: Michele Pinkins; Jeremiah Patton; Isaiah Patton; Elijah Patton; Josiah Green; Brooklyn Pinkins; Malysha Mason; Cryshelle Johnson; Christopher Johnson Jr.; Kyrie John; Christopher Pinkins Jr.; Kansas Pinkins; & Kaicen Pinkins. 2 Great Great Grandchildren: Malaysia Hollins & TyRique Harris Jr. A host of loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Take your well-deserved rest, Momma, Grand momma, Grandma, Mrs. Pinkins. You were a rare jewel, and we will love you eternally.

A visitation for Jewel will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208. Following the visitation will be a celebration of life at 1:00 PM at Memorial Chapel.