Edward Gene Jenkins Sr.

born in Monroe, Louisiana, February 3, 1951 to Joe Roy and Jennie Mae Jenkins. Times were tougher in those days so he went to live with Green & Estella Mack who wanted to take in and raise young Edward. They provided him with the love and understanding that would manifest itself in Edward throughout his life. Edward also gained much of his giving nature from the Billy Harris Family, who now resides in Bozier City, LA. Billy's sons, Jerry and Bobby Harris, and Roosevelt Clark and daughters Marshal Dawson, Janice, Hilda and Tina Harris taught him love, understanding and were instrumental in Edward building lasting friendships. Edward "Big Ed" aka "Bear", and Jerry started out as logger-men pulping logs and hauling them off to the paper mills dotting the Monroe area in the late 1960's, but they wanted more out of life. Jerry enlisted in the Navy during Vietnam and Edward began his tutelage as an assistant chef under Japanese Chef, Chef Han at the West Monroe Civic Center.

It was in Monroe that "Bear" met his first wife and she gave birth to his son Edward "Junior" Jenkins. Life was good to “Bear” at this point in his life as he was working towards being lead chef at the Civic Center, and he shared adventures with his best friend, James "Junior" Gibson-Diner, who was always with Edward through thick and thin, though this strained the home-front union.

Ed divorced his first wife and married his 2nd wife and took in her children, Rushanda, Doretha, and Trenna and adopted them as his own. Edward made a lasting and positive impression on his children’s lives. Life moved on and so did Edward and his second wife, as they both went their separate ways. Edward always looked out for others and put their needs ahead of his own, so his outreach is large and dedicated. His loved ones were assured of Edwards support in time of need.

Edward retired as a chef and moved into the third stage of his life. They say "Three's a charm" and with Edward it rang true with his 3rd wife Elizabeth. They gave each other the love, understanding, caring and passion they each needed and deserved.

Edward's kind and gentle heart took in Elizabeth and her children, Angie, Christy, Suzie, Mary and Sarah. Again, he treated them as his own. He also began raising his granddaughter, little Sarah as the Macks helped him so many years ago. What goes around...truly does... come back around with Edward Gene Jenkins at the center!

They said "Till death do us part" when they joined together and true love may be stronger as Edward awaits Elizabeth and other loved one’s arrival in heaven.

Edward went to meet his Savior: Arlington, Texas, December 11, 2014

Ed was proceeded in death by his Joe Roy(Dad), Jennie Mae (Mother),Roosevelt(Brother) and two daughters; Doretha and Christy.