Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home | Tuscaloosa, AL

Obituary For Deacon Edward Lee Jenkins, Sr.

Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home announce the passing of Mr. Edward Lee Jenkins, Sr.

COMMUNITY VIEWING: Thursday, July 18, 2019 from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 p.m. at Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home, 2615 Stillman Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

FLOWER DELIVERY HOURS: Thursday, July 18, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, July 19, 2019 at 12:00 Noon, First Baptist Church of Northport, 1401 12th St, Northport, AL 35476. Mr. Jenkins will lie in state one hour (11:00am-12:00 Noon) prior to service. Pastor Calhoun will officiate.

BURIAL: Cedar Oak Memorial Park, 1401 Mimosa Park Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Services provided by Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home, Inc.

Edward Lee Jenkins, Sr., was a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He retired in December 2012 after serving nine years as the Facility Director of Miles College. As director, he coordinated Miles College renovation projects that included improving the building’s energy efficiency and ground maintenance. In addition, he managed custodial support, cafeteria support, and organization of campus events, space assignments, supervised staff, budgetary responsibilities and safety to meet government environmental regulations. He analyzed the energy consumption patterns of various buildings to plan for long-term maintenance and modernization.

His work career began many years before going to Miles College. In 1948 at the age of 19, he began his work with United States Corps of Engineers. He started as a Trade Helper, which included lettering on all vessels, sign painter, navigator for the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway, Ship Builder, Boiler Maker and Professional Photographer. He also attended Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and received an Associate degree in Industrial Education.

His ambition, skills and determination gave him the courage he needed as a black federal employee throughout the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. He was promoted to Park Technician, then to Park Ranger and continued to move up the career ladder. In 1977, he became the first Black Park Manager in the United States with key responsibilities on the Tombigbee Water Way. He was responsible for all operations on the third largest waterway in the United States. He operated a budget of 2.7 million dollars yearly. He supervised the operations, construction, landscaping, and waterway development for 15 visitation park sites. The Tombigbee Waterway Flows through the states of Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. He supervised 43,943 miles of waterways and 59,000 acres of land. He went into 15 rural counties located along the waterways and developed the land, the waterways and park recreations whereby the people could utilize the lands and make use of their natural resources. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, wildlife, water sports and camping. He received the highest honor that the United States Corps of Engineers can bestow upon a civilian employee which is the Commander’s Award.

He was always community oriented and enjoyed working with young people. He served as Boy Scout Master for over 40 years for the Troop # 249. He took pride in insuring that all boys in his troop had a uniform, regardless of their economic circumstance. During those years, he served as a mentor for hundreds of African American young men in his troop. Near the end of his career in scouting, he received the Civil Beaver Award, which is one of the Boys Scouts’ Highest Honors for years of volunteer service and commitment.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Northport, where he accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of the church deacon board and served as Church Treasurer for over 50 years.

Photography was always his favorite hobby, and he was a genius with computer technology. During his early years, he was one of the first black photographers in Tuscaloosa, Alabama during the 60’s. Before Integration, he was called to take pictures for Druid High School yearbooks, graduations, school class reunions, weddings, family reunions and major events that occurred during the Civil Rights Movements. As a federal employee, he was invited to take pictures for the federal government and national disasters. He was noted for taking pictures of Civil Rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and President Richard Nixon visit to Alabama following Hurricane Frederick in Mobile, Alabama.

He is preceded in death by: his father, Emanuel Jenkins, Sr., mother, Susie Jenkins, brothers: Emanuel Jenkins, Jr. and Charles Jenkins. He leaves behind: a sister, Rosa Mary Everett and a brother, Andrew Jenkins, Sr. His wife of 71 years, Mrs. Maude S. Jenkins that he says was “The Wind Beneath Her Wings.” Together they raised five children, Elizabeth, Edward Jr., Jacqueline, Rosalind, and Susan. He leaves eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He has a host of nieces and nephews who brought him strength and joy throughout the years.

Guest Book

Mr Jenkins was the greatest Photographer of all time. Rest In Peace. Truman and Minnie Bolden. Boteler High. Class of 1964 Lions.

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My deepest sympathy to the family! Mr. Jenkins was an amazing man. He was very knowledgeable and talented. He taught me many things on using the computer and was my photography mentor also. He always had his camera with him. He was a good friend and there was never a time he did not wear a smile. Rest In Peace my dear friend. -Angela Hood

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To the family, from our family we send our heartfelt sympathy. We will remember Mr. Jenkins through all the memorable pictures that were taken by him of our family. We were truly blessed by his work. The Archibald Family and Tubbs Family.

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Rest in Heaven my dear friend and to the family you have my deepest condolences and I am praying for strength at this point in your lives Amen

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To my Aunt Maude, cousins, and the rest of the family: You are ALL in my prayers. Uncle Lee was a very accomplished man who will be missed. May God comfort you. Love, Debbie

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Psalm 112 : 6 For he will never be shaken; The righteous will be remembered forever. Where to begin in giving my memories of Deacon Edward Lee Jenkins, Sr? I remember him as one very fine gentleman—one very fine child of God. Of course, I remember him taking pictures on several different occasions. There were many different church photographs. There were, also, pictures taken my daughter’s senior year in high school. Many knew of Lee Jenkins, the photographer. He was determined to do a good job. He usually got it right. I also remember him working with me to enter the church’s financial records on the computer at his and Mrs. Jenkins’ home. This was not too long after my brain surgery. I was a somewhat defeated attorney at the time. While my task was not that complicated, I believe that my work with him and his confidence in me assisted me on the road to re-gaining my own confidence. I remember Edward Lee Jenkins the cheerleader. He got this right, as well. Finally, I remember that both he and I chose to attend Bible Study at noon on Wednesdays. We were a part of a very close group intent on learning God’s word to put it into action in our daily lives. The entire group came to know and respect each other. I am not sure when it happened, but Mr. Jenkins and I adopted the roles of each other’s rival. This was done primarily, I believe, to entertain the other members of the group. For, far from actually being my rival, my thoughts and opinions of Mr. Jenkins, his lifetime achievements; his character; his sharpness and his humor could not have been much higher. I made certain that he knew how I really felt. I thank God for the opportunity to know the wonderful man that he was. Here again, it’s my belief that he got it right. Constance Kidd Wadlington

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Rosalind and Farmer, I hope the following words will bring you comfort during this time: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. We are thinking of you and praying for your family during this time. Blessings to your family! Anna Wright, Atlanta, GA

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Rosalind and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4). Love, Teresa Hogans Farmer, Newville, Alabama

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Sending our sincere condolences to the Jenkins family. May the Lord grant comfort and peace to his family and friends during this time. God bless. Willie and Althea Williamson

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Sending our sincere condolences to the Jenkins family. May the Lord grant comfort and peace to his family and friends during this time. God bless.

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As Pastor of the Providence Missionary Baptist Church of Thomasville, Georgia. We send our sincere condolences to Mother Rosa Everett and family, on the transitioning of your brother, Deacon Edward L. Jenkins, Sr. . It was a joy and an honor to have met him, during Mother Everett’s Appreciation services; and to have listen to him share the many fond memories of Mother Everett and the family, during their growing up years. May our Heavenly Father strengthen and comfort the family during this difficult time. Dr. & Mrs. Emory C. Virgil, Sr.

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On behalf of Pastor Helen D. Garner, Assistant Pastor Sonya White and the Faith Deliverance Full Gospel Holiness Church Family, we would like to offer our sincere condolences to Mrs. Rosalyn James and the Family. May the Lord comfort you all during this time

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This man will forever be in my heart. After I join First Baptist Church of Northport he became a good friend. Whenever we would see each others we would always shakes hand & greet each other by speaking saying Hello my Friend with a smil!!!

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This man will forever be in my heart. After I join First Baptist Church of Northport he became a good friend. Whenever we would see each others we would always shakes hand & greet each other by speaking saying Hello my Friend with a smil!!!

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Growing up on 15th Street and running up and down 16th street, Mr. Jenkins always had a photo of the neighborhood children. He would always do his best to keep us on track. My prayer of sympathy, condolences and comfort for the family. Rest Mr. Jenkins.

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Mr. Jenkins was a great person and photographer very talented. He will be missed. Don Woods

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He made everyone look better for school pictures He was a kind and gentle person

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Sending my condolences to my Photography Mentor,Mr. Jenkins glad I had the privilege of taking pictures with him one last time, we had fun shooting pictures at Ms. Blackmon's Piano Recital at First Baptist Church Northport. My photography teacher and friend. Rest well my friend till we meet again. I will think of you as I continue to use the skills you taught me. Linda Effinger-Owens

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Our family Photographer, you gave us so many memories through the eyes of your camera. Mr. Jenkins was a wonderful person inside and out, you will be missed. Our prayers goes out to the family. Love Salada and Valada Mack

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Uncle Lee and I (Sabrina) shared so many inspirational messages and poems via Facebook postings or messages. We quietly declared one another as "Favorite Uncle & Favorite Niece" in all of our greetings. We (Moses) also talked about the fun family adventures on his "houseboat", times at the river, and his eclectic collection of photography and technology equipment. He will surely be missed by his family and the communities of Tuscaloosa and Northport. He was a Renaissance Man whose career(s) and hobbies were expansive and recognized on local, state, and national levels. With Many Fond Memories & All Our Love to the E.L. Jenkins, Sr. Family, Moses Everett, Jr./"Too Sweet" (nephew) & Sabrina B. Everett ("favorite" niece)

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A great Photographer at Druid High School, loved his work. A great man from the heart.

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To my family this was a very special person in my life. We were very close and his smile would light up a room. My confidant, dad, friend, rock.I love you Uncle Lee rest well my sweet Uncle rest well. Family you have our deepest condolences.Danny and Bernita Williams.

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Rest Well My Dear uncle.I Love you And God Bless❤️

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Van Hoose & Steele