Lane Jenkins

Taking an early interest in sports, Lane went on to become an athlete - running track and playing football as a running back at Southern Illinois University earning the moniker “Night Train” Lane. Later in life, Lane continued to find joy in staying active. You could find him wearing his favorite sauna suit and New Balance sneakers running around Lake Merced, on the treadmill at his favorite sports gym Schoeber’s, and eventually walking the cul-de-sac in his neighborhood.

Lane followed his eldest brother Coranza to San Francisco in the early 60s. It’s here that he began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and dedicated his life to Jehovah God in 1962. Shortly after his dedication and baptism he met and married Bernia on September 21, 1962. They started their family with the birth of Elaine, followed by Lane Jr, Bernita, and Lance.

Lane continued his faithful service to Jehovah as an elder in the Christian congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In the mid-70s the Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses needed volunteers to help feed attendees at the District Conventions in Northern California and volunteer tradesmen for Kingdom Hall expansion efforts. Accompanied by a large crew of lifelong friends, Lane fed thousands of brothers and sisters throughout the 1970s and 1980s and earned his reputation as the “King of Q”. He also loved to barbecue for friends and family alike, preparing others to take the lead as he grew older.

Outside of the congregation, Lane spent most of his life as an entrepreneur to support his family. He began first with a concrete pouring business. Then moved on to insulation and finally, asbestos abatement. His most notable projects included the Los Angeles Library, San Francisco’s Rincon Center, and the San Francisco International Airport expansion project. Over the course of his career he employed many friends and others in the San Francisco Bayview who worked to support themselves and their families. His generosity of spirit was always noted. It brought him great happiness to help others whether it be a simple meal, a sum of money, or just a bright smile and a “hey baby!” or “hey cotton picka!” If you caught him on a good day he would greet you in “Frebonics”. A language he created over the years as a cross of French and Ebonics.

Lane had a strong network of spiritual brothers who enjoyed many good times together. They had a standing date at Castle Lanes in San Francisco where they bowled until the wee hours. Bowling was equally as fun as their trips to “Boston” during their regular Bid Whist games accompanied by his favorite cocktail or cognac. They would laugh, talk, and fortify each other as they prepared for another week of work and service.

The ministry brought Lane great joy, as a full-time minister (pioneer) alongside his wife Bernia he had a knack for being able to talk to anyone. His sunny demeanor and bright smile would disarm the most resistant of householders. He was especially excited to help individuals who had become inactive to rebuild their relationship with Jehovah.

Lane leaves a legacy of deep love for Jehovah and people. He passed away in Charlotte, North Carolina on Thursday, June 24. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Bernia; four children Elaine Jenkins-Griffin, Lane Jenkins Jr. and his wife Latonya Grundy-Jenkins, Bernita Jamison and her husband Robert Jamison, Lance Jenkins; seven grandchildren Reyhan “Doogie” Griffin, Rafiq “Badu” Griffin, Bailey Simon, Tori Simon, Alexandria Jenkins, Milan Jenkins, and Aubreylane Jenkins; siblings Mary, Dolly, Buddy; and a host of other friends and family who dearly loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Coranza, Oscar, Rose, and Johnny Jr.