Menervia Caldwell

On August 27, 1928, Alex and Melindae Jenkins welcomed another beautiful baby girl into their family and named her Menervia Jenkins. She was one of a kind. In time, the Jenkins family would grow to include 13 children, and Menervia grew up surrounded by love in Tennessee Colony, Texas, where the Jenkins family was well known.

At an early age, Menervia gave her life to the Lord and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. Her relationship with Christ was the foundation of who she was. She often shared that her family was her joy and inspiration for godly living. With a warm heart and plenty of wisdom to share, she was intentional about leaving a legacy of love, faith, and kindness wherever she went.

Menervia served faithfully as a member of the Church of God in Christ Evangelistic Center. She married Adolph Caldwell, and together they built a loving home in the Seattle area, where they

lived and worshiped for over 45 years. Their home became a central gathering place for siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and friends. Even after her beloved husband’s passing in 2005, she continued to serve both her church and her community with dedication and grace.

She truly had a servant’s heart. Menervia volunteered at nursing homes, homeless shelters, and food banks, and she was a generous giver to many in need. She loved hosting family and

traveling often to Texas, California, and Oklahoma to visit loved ones, nurturing relationships that meant the world to her. She had a special love for children. Although she did not have children of her own, many looked to her as a mother figure and found comfort, guidance, and unwavering love in her presence.

Menervia naturally gathered around people—to share and collect pictures, cards, stories, and laughter. She never forgot a name and always asked about the wellbeing of others. Each of us holds a special place in her heart, and we carry her love forward as we continue to share her memories with generations to come.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Adolph Caldwell; her brothers, Les T., Boney, Nathan, and Junior; and her sisters, Chelsea “Sutta” Pierce, Margaret Bowden, Oressia Allen, Eunice Williams, Mattie Allen, Margie Pleasant, and Ruby Lee.

Menervia leaves to celebrate her memory, her baby sister, Fannie Brown, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever love, cherish, and remember her.