Gwendolyn S Jenkins

Gwendolyn (Gwen) Smith Jenkins was born December 12,1953 in Houston, Texas. She was one of the late Jewel and Juanita Williams Smith’s three children. Gwen was a modest woman with a big heart and touched many lives with her humility, generosity, humor and grace. She was a beloved daughter, sister, BIG sister, aunt, cousin and friend.

Gwen’s spiritual walk began at an early age at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in 1959 under the leadership of Rev. H.B. Sampson and remained a faithful and dedicated member under Reverend F. D. Sampson 5th Pastor and Reverend F. D. Sampson, Jr., 6th Pastor. She served in many capacities: Young Adult Choir President, Youth Counselor, Sanctuary Choir Member, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, The Women Ministry and Director of Culinary for many years.

A native of Trinity Gardens, Gwen attended “Ole” Kashmere High School. She continued her education at Texas Southern University (TSU) with courses in general studies.

Gwen met a handsome young hunter and craftsman, L.J. Jenkins, who swept her off her feet and asked for her hand in marriage. She said, “Yes” and they were wedded June 10, 1972. No children were born to this union.

Her professional resume includes employers Anchor Hocking, Cameron Oil and Exxon Mobil. However, following her mother’s entrepreneurial footsteps, Gwen invested in rental properties and started her own catering venture. Her reputation grew when she converted her home to a neighborhood store, preparing and selling burgers, hot dogs, milk shakes, Frito pies, ice cream, snow cones, sodas and all the candy that you can imagine. Later, she expanded from her home to a building at the corner of Denmark and Lavender. Working with and for Gwen required hard work and patience. As a result, many family members were hired, fired, or quit. Nevertheless, the experience taught many how to serve and they enjoyed every moment. Later, Friendship’s Culinary Ministry staff experienced her leadership style and strong work ethic. Like family, they too, sometime quit.

Gwen loved her family. Her hands were blessed by the Lord’s divine guidance. She made never ending service. She was the care giver to both of her parents and treasured it. She ensured every need was met to the best of her ability and was gratified by making sure everything was convenient and comfortable for them. Gwen was very protective of her older brother John Douglas and often had to be reminded of her role as little sister.

As a self-named fashionista, Gwen loved to dress in beautiful clothes, shoes, purses and earrings. Conversely, she loathed shopping. She provided her wish-list or asked others to go to Cart’air, her favorite boutique. Occasionally, Sis. Carolyn Land would select stunning attire and she would pick them up. Her sister, Michelle always styled her hair to compliment her look.

Gwen delighted in hosting her former co-workers, friends, family, community and the body of Christ at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Yet, she LOVED serving her Pastors, their family and their honored guest with tasty catered menus even more. She always had goodies in her trunk each Sunday for the children in the church. Gwen was a gourmet. She believed food was an ingredient that binds us together. She even served the neighbors and neighbors dogs. They would stand at the gate wagging their tails and whimpering as she came out and threw them food. She would talk (doggy talk) to them and they wagged even more.

Gwen remained courageous as her relationship with God continued to flourish during her illness. God loved her so much. During the evening of Monday, August 31, 2020, he called her home. The words were echoed that Paul wrote, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, 2 Timothy 4:7(a). Gwen fulfilled the scripture as it is written.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents and dear aunts and uncles.

She leaves as a quote, “Family Keep It Together;” her siblings, John Douglas Powers and Reginald Smith (Cynthia), Debra Garrett, Dilsharm Williams, Vatrina Michelle Williams-Curl, Christine E. Williams-McMillan and Darwin R. Williams all of Houston, Texas. One aunt, Sulessa Scott of San Francisco, California, two uncles, Anthony Stephens and James Ray Smith of Houston, Texas. Her nieces Jocelyn Powers, Veronica Kelly (Waufield), Nephews; Reginald Smith, Jr. and John Douglas Powers, III. Special lil cousins she considered dear to her heart, Jasmine and Amber McMillan, Christopher and Michael Tre’ Curl.Also left with loving memories of Gwen are: seven great nieces, three great nephews, one great great niece and seven great great nephews, abundance of cousins, God daughter, Vinetta Porter Scott; and God son, Anthony W. Jones. A special first cousin, Jocelyn Hendrix of Vallejo, California and special cousin Pearl D. Porter. Her friends for life, Sister Linda Denson, Sister Judith Roberts, Sister Sandra Robinson, Sister Betty Walker, Sister Jona Guy, Sister Margaret Givens and The Women Ministry of Friendship Baptist Church, Gwen

Fonteno, Patsy Hulitt and so many more that are too numerous to name.