Marion Dwight Jenkins

Marion was born in Sallis, Mississippi, on June 25, 1935. He grew up in Pickens, Mississippi, as an only child, and his strong work ethic became one of the many ways he showed his quiet care for others. He delivered newspapers beginning in junior high, continuing through high school. He also drove the school bus and operated the movie projector at the town theater during high school. When asked why he held so many jobs at a young age, he replied that there were few boys in the town, people asked for help, and he wanted to help. Anyone who knew Marion knew that he would not only do the job, but he would do it right. Money he earned went to his parents to help with bills.

He attended high school and college at what is now Holmes Community College, graduating in 1956. After college, Marion joined the Air Force, serving from 1956 to 1960 at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force as an Airman First Class (E-4). He repaired radar devices used in aircraft during his time in the service.

He married Billie Kelley in 1959 and would regularly comment that the Lord provided mightily in blessing him with Billie as his wife.

After he came home from the Air Force, he sacrificed his plans to finish college to support his growing family. He got a job at A&P grocery store for $60 a month. He later left A&P to join the United States Postal Service, proudly earning a position during a time when such careers were exceptionally difficult to secure. He worked the night shift at the post office for 38 years and was recognized for excellence, taking only one sick day throughout his entire career. He kept the mail on schedule. Ever since he retired in 2000, it seems the mail has struggled to be on time.

Saturdays were spent caring for the home, and on Sundays, he served as an usher at Parkway Baptist Church. He lost his beloved wife of almost 64 years in 2023 and lost his left leg shortly thereafter. His hard work through those trials continued as he learned how to live alone with one leg.

Marion was a quiet man with a surprising sense of humor. Talking with others was something he enjoyed, along with hearing old country music tunes. He is remembered for his kindness and gentle smile. He worked hard during his life to provide for his family and made it a point to tell his family he loved them very much. He persevered to the end, and now he can rest, forever, in the love, peace, and glory of Jesus.

Marion is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Jenkins and Ruth McClellan Jenkins, and his wife, Billie Jenkins. He is survived by his four daughters and four sons-in-law: Vivian Watson (Bill) of Rockwall, TX; Dia Welch (Dennis) of Madison, MS; Merrie Smith (Ronnie) of Meridian, MS; and Deborah Purvis (Luke) of Raymond, MS; as well as 14 grandchildren: Shannon Pitalua (Dennis); Dwight Watson (Blanca); Billie Brunskill (Kasey); Conner and Harrison Welch; Trey, Matt, and Stephanie Smith; Peyton, Keith, Ginny Mae, Charleigh, Helen, and John Luke Purvis; and 3 great-grandchildren: Adelynn and Elias Pitalua, and Felix Watson.

His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, Mississippi 39209, on October 22, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm. A Committal Service will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Parkway Baptist Church, Clinton, MS, where he was a faithful member for 67 years.

“Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you!

I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.”

Isaiah 46:4 (NKJV)