Reflections of a Life of Servant Leadership

Today, we celebrate the life of Kenneth Dewayne Jenkins, affectionately called “Wayne” by his family and childhood friends. For many, he was the person who could always be counted on to show up. Not only would he show up, but he would be the earliest and most active participant. At times, he would be the only person to show up, but that was fine because having him was like having an army. No one person should have been able to shoulder the load that he could carry or tackle the tasks he performed with ease; and he did it all with class, style, and energy the likes of which the world has never seen. Kenneth exuberantly embraced every role he played in each of our lives, and his life serves as an example of servant leadership inspiring us all to say less, do more, and let our smiles and work product do the talking.

From the time Kenneth was born on May 27, 1963, in Memphis, Tennessee, he was positioned to assume the labors of love and cool, calm, and collected countenance by which we fondly remember him. Kenneth’s parents, Horace Jenkins and Laura “Lois” Pryor, positioned him as a middle child to brothers Christopher Jenkins, Michael Jenkins, and Keith Jenkins and sisters Me’Shell Jenkins and Jacqueline Pryor Owens. Being a middle child gave him some cheat codes from older siblings, required him to move strategically to have a chance to win when overmatched, and allowed him to nurture and protect a younger sibling. Kenneth accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at an early age under the leadership of the late Rev. Johnny Bowens, his grandfather. He later moved his membership to Grace Christian Fellowship Church and served as an usher 10 years before joining Hope Presbyterian Church in 2012 where he frequently volunteered at events and supported initiatives.

Kenneth’s service to and enjoyment of his family and church were matched only by his work ethic and appreciation of a job immaculately done. Kenneth’s passion to serve others started at the age of twelve when he volunteered to work at the corner grocery store; his volunteer work was rewarded with weekly groceries for him and his family. Throughout his younger years, he worked and learned everywhere, including at the world-famous Rendezvous barbeque restaurant where he learned the art of grilling. Kenneth blessed us all with amazing ribs, steaks, salmon, and links.

Kenneth worked in the Methodist system for 41 years, most of which were alongside Dr. Edmond Owen as a Physician Assistant in cardiothoracic surgery, a role his volunteerism garnered for him. As an entry-level employee, after Kenneth finished his shifts, he rewarded himself with more work by volunteering in the short-staffed nursery and rocking babies to sleep for hours. News of Kenneth’s service and personality spread, and Dr. Owen took Kenneth under his wing. Kenneth was neat, clean, meticulous, and dedicated to learning the art of heart surgery. After some seasoning in the operating room, patients and practitioners began requesting Kenneth by name, as he developed a reputation for leaving the least noticeable scars. Kenneth became a model for doing things the right way, and he shared his knowledge and experience with students, residents, and practitioners alike.

On January 1, 2000, Kenneth joined Percie “Ann” in holy matrimony. Together, Kenneth and Ann took care of each other and their sons, grandchildren, and family members. They opened their doors for cookouts, Christmas parties, church events, and work celebrations. Kenneth’s greatest joys came from serving, feeding, protecting, helping, and spending time with family and friends. From traversing the globe with Ann, to traveling to Brandon’s games, to talking style and life with Andrew, to doing home improvement projects with Jimmie, to letting the grandkids get away with things the kids never could, and to hanging out with or helping family members and friends, Kenneth was the quintessential family man.

Kenneth’s parents, Horace and Lois, and his brother, Michael, preceded him in death. Kenneth leaves to cherish his memories wife Ann; children Brandon, Kenneth “Andrew” (Chasity), and Jimmie (Aftan); grandchildren Kyleigh, Khalil, Noah, Jettsen, and one little one on the way; siblings Christopher “Chris,” Keith (Pat), Me’Shell (Walter), and Jacqueline “Jackie”; aunt Ruby Everette; uncle Everett Bowens; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. We will forever remember the tangible expressions of Kenneth’s love, long for his help with every hard task, and remember that he was always there for us. Similarly, we will hold fast to the incomparable manner in which Kenneth honored all of our special requests and showed each of us that we were important. Kenneth had a welcoming spirit and a disarming personality. He eagerly expressed his gratitude for every open heart. In return, family, friends, and strangers alike shared their laughter, their love, and their lives with Kenneth. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Friday, June 10, 2022, at R S Lewis & Sons Funeral Home, 2944 Walnut Grove, Memphis, Tennessee. Funeral service will be at 12:00 PM on Saturday June 11,2022 at Hope Church Memphis located at 8500 Walnut Grove Rd Cordova, Tennessee 38018. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis, TN.