Clarece Jenkins

On March 01, 1953, Clarece (Stokes) Jenkins was born to Odessa and Carl Stokes in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is the ninth of ten siblings. In her youth, Clarece attended Dunbar Elementary School, Carver Junior High School, and Booker T. Washington High School. She graduated in 1971.

Clarece accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and lived a life committed to serving Christ. She expressed this commitment through her love, leadership, and service she offered to the various communities and organizations of which she took part.

From her youth, Clarece loved music. She played multiple instruments during her school years, most notably the piano. She grew up playing music both at church and at home with her siblings, some of whom would later play with the likes of Tina Turner and The Gap Band. Music was instrumental in her life from birth to final rest. Often, one would find her practicing each day and each night, honing her skills to prepare for weekly services.

Clarece married her best friend, next-door neighbor, and high school sweetheart James E. Jenkins, Sr., on March 17, 1972. From this union, three children were born: James, Jr., Shontique, and Michelle.

Clarece and James, Sr., moved to Texas in 1975. The family enjoyed their humble beginnings as a young family in Farmers Branch and, later, The Colony. A core centerpiece of her life was their church home. Clarece suggested the name "Friendship" for a small church that started in a neighbor's garage. Friendship Baptist Church, founded over 38 years ago, has grown significantly since that time. Her commitment to Friendship Baptist Church was one of servitude and extended beyond the weekly Sunday services. Early on, Clarece would ensure that the youth could get to choir rehearsal by picking up and transporting them herself. Over the years, she played piano for the adult, youth, and special event choirs. She loved her church family and was especially fond of her connection with the music ministry, fellow musicians, and choir members.

Clarece spent much of her early years working in the healthcare and insurance industries. Most recently, she worked at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano and had served there for 20 years. The staff at Presbyterian became family. The many doctors, nurses, and staff admired her.

Clarece loved to spend time with her family. She often planned monthly or weekly family gatherings, even if the arrangements were as simple as a family dinner at home. She would call everyone in the family to share her ideas about meals, gathering locations, and celebratory arrangements. She loved to travel to Tulsa during the holidays to visit with her family. She would stay up laughing to tears with her siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her laughter would light up every room.

Most will remember Clarece for her motherliness, quiet spirit, warm and nurturing nature, quickwittedness, and wise words (and colorful sayings).

Clarece Jenkins was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Jimmy, Charles, Odell, Thurman, and Ralph. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband; their children: James E. (Wynell) Jenkins, Jr., Shontique E. Jenkins, and Michelle D. Jenkins; their grandchildren: Marcus L. Hayes, Madison E. Jenkins, Alexis N. Jenkins, Derek J. Jenkins, and her honorary granddaughter, NaKiyah Rucker. She also leaves her siblings Ray D. (Mary Jane) Rowe, Rosetta Jackson, Henry (Joann) Stokes, Wilbert Stokes, and other family and friends.