Kenneth Jenkins Obituary in Memphis at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home

Obituary For Kenneth Jenkins

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.

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Isaac Conner sent Red and White Bouquet for Kenneth Jenkins - June 11, 2022

We are so sorry for your loss. In a time like this, remember how Keith positively impacted your lives and how much joy you shared together.
Conners

Send flowers for Kenneth Jenkins

Cindricka L Arrington sent Ocean Breeze Spray for Kenneth Jenkins - June 10, 2022

Thank God for Kenneth and the blessing he was to the world, his family, and my friend, Ann. With love from Cindricka Arrington

Mark A. Baugh sent Beautiful Dreams for Kenneth Jenkins - June 10, 2022

Expressing our Sincere Condolences.
Mark Baugh, Clarence Risin, Cheryl Hunt, Tim Lupinacci and Teresa Marlow

Loving Respect Bouquet was sent for Kenneth Jenkins - June 10, 2022

Care and Compassion Spray was sent for Kenneth Jenkins - June 09, 2022

Jeff Jackson sent Eternal Light Standing Spray for Kenneth Jenkins - June 08, 2022

Our Deepest Sympathies. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Kenneth is so special and we miss him.
Love, Jeff, Laurie, Drew and Emily Jackson

Your Light Shines was sent for Kenneth Jenkins - June 08, 2022

Will Hooker sent Pink Tribute Spray for Kenneth Jenkins - June 08, 2022

You have our deepest sympathy. Love Will and Nicole Hooker.

Harvest Sunflower Basket was sent for Kenneth Jenkins - June 08, 2022

Michele Fink sent Beautiful Dreams for Kenneth Jenkins - June 08, 2022

With deepest sympathy and prayer that the Lord will fill your days with His peace and bring comfort to your heart. The Fink Family

Serene Lily Basket was sent for Kenneth Jenkins - June 08, 2022

The Peace Lily was sent for Kenneth Jenkins - June 08, 2022

Heavenly Skies Standing Spray was sent for Kenneth Jenkins - June 07, 2022

Lisa Henderson sent Stately Croton for Kenneth Jenkins - June 06, 2022

Lex & Robert Taylor, Brittney Luke and Lisa Henderson The Taylor Group of Companies

Kenneth M Hafner sent Divine Comfort Arrangement for Kenneth Jenkins - June 05, 2022

Deepest sympathies, Mike and Michele Hafner

Karen Phillips sent Sweet Moments for Kenneth Jenkins - June 05, 2022

Our deepest condolences from the Bass and Nolan family.

Doris Tribune-Brown sent Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for Kenneth Jenkins - June 05, 2022

My Sincere condolences,Love Dr.Doris Tribune-Brown St.Louis,MO

Blessed Heart was sent for Kenneth Jenkins - June 04, 2022

Lakessa Johnson sent Mixed Spray for Kenneth Jenkins - June 03, 2022

You have our deepest condolences and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending love your way!🙏🏽❤️ We are here for you! Love, Gerald and Lakessa Johnson and Viola Gossett

GM Ann, This is Daisy. I am so sorry for the lost of your precious soulmate Kenneth!!! I know the Lord will be with you day and night, through you good days and bad days! He will never leave you nor forsake you! Know we are here for you and your family!!! Love Daisy Meeting you both at my mom's house was pleasure to see a couple that was friendly and enjoyable!!! Know that we are here in Atlanta is here for you and your family!!

My heart and prayers to the family of Kenneth. Him and my brother Leroy(RIH) was good friends and use to hang together in school. As I remembered him he was a very cheerful and nice person🙏🏽❤️⚘️

Heartfelt prayers for the family and friends of my Northside High School Class of 1981 classmate. Always kind and such fun to be around! Rest in peace dear brother!

Ann, I'm praying for you and family during this difficult time. May the Lord strengthen you in a mighty way. I pray that He will fill the void. We love you. Flo and Reginald Newton

Ann and family, may God grant you peace and serenity during this time as Kenneth now enjoys the same with the Father. You have my sincerest condolences. ~Cindricka Arrington

Dear Ann and family, I had the honor of working with Kenny for several years and have such fond memories of that time. His professional standards could not be matched but most importantly to me was his unfailing kindness. I am eternally grateful that Kenny was a part of my journey and that he chose to live as an honorable man. I am praying for you all as you celebrate his life. With warmest regards, Stacy Rinehart

My neighbor, my friend and my Brother, I thank GOD daily for blessing my family and I with your friendship. It was truly an honor to have you in our lives. You mean the world to me Big Brother and will be missed always. The gaping hole left in our hearts can never be filled. We love you and miss you dearly, may you rest in eternal peace! GD

Ann, you have our deepest condolences. We are praying for strength and peace during this time of loss. Know that we love you and are here for you. Love Will and Nicole Hooker.

Ann, we are so sorry for your lost. Sending our condolences to you and your family.
Love, Rose Briggs & Family

Ann, my heart was saddened to hear of Kenneth's passing. May the memories that mean the most to you live forever in your heart.I will always remember the love and kindness you both showed me when I moved to Memphis in 2004. His smile I remember the most. May God comfort you and your family. Sending love and hugs. Jackie Lewis Johnson. Jackson, Mo.

Ann, I wanted to extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and the entire Jenkins family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and sending hugs your way🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽 Lelia Jackie Bell

Condolences and Prayers for The Family. Worked with Kenny at Methodist, always wore a smile and was the nicest person you could meet. Rest In Paradise Kenny.. You Will Be Missed. Yasmin Tate

So sorry to hear of the demise of your husband Kenneth. Sending our love, prayers and heartfelt condolences to you and your family ❤️🙏🏾

I send my heartfelt condolences Percie. With love, Lisa Henderson

Praying for GOD's comfort, encouragement, and peace for Ann and sons now and always in JESUS name.🙏🏿 Ed & Allicia Cowan

Words can't express the way I'm feeling for my beloved friend Wayne. Such a genuine true friend. Sending my condolences to Ann,Jackie,Brandon, Andrew and the rest of the family. RIH my friend. Donna Brown (Chattanooga Tn).j

Condolences to Ann and the family; Cousin Wayne, you will be truly missed; I will miss your grace and kindness, RIP.
Sincerely, Tameka and David

Lifting Prayers for comfort and peace to the Jenkins family. May the Lord keep all of you in the folds of His arms during this time. Sylvia Respess

As I pray to our Father, I recall God's love displayed by my cousin Kenny. Ann, what I love and loved the most about Kenny is the love he had for you and all. He was so thoughtful, kind, happy and joyful. Most of all he is a child of God. What a God fearing man. Love always, Bobbie Carr-God bless!

Ann, No words can express my hurt and sorrow for you and the family. Our Lord and Savior has called Kenneth home to His heavenly kingdom. Kenneth is looking down and smiling as he is at peace in our Lords loving arms. Ann I pray for you, and your and Kenneth's family. May our Lord bless you during this trying time. Doug & Cathy Hepner

In my mind, Kenny was the quality of man that had no equal. To memories of Kenny stand out to me. One, Kenny and I were sitting in the OR lounge waiting for the next surgery. I was working at the computer and he was filing his nails. We chatted and I told him that I had a genuine fear of someone. He looked up from his filing and said, "You have Jesus Christ living in you. You fear no man." I repeat that statement to myself when I am afraid or worried. The second memory was also in the OR. I was sitting in our little OR office with the door propped open, as was our custom. I was working at the computer with my back to the door, when I thought I heard something. I looked over my right shoulder and saw nothing so I chalked it up to my imagination. Then suddenly Kenny jumped up behind me and grabbed my chair and scared the life out of me! He had crawled into the office for that very purpose. He had a broad smile and the satisfaction of a job well done gleaming in his eyes. I will miss my friend. Praying for you all in your time of grief. May the Lord comfort you. Love, Michele Hafner

To Ann, the children, the sibings, and the family of Kenneth Jenkins--
My heart and spirit are broken learning of your loss. My condolences run deep, as does my offer of support amid this season of bereavement.
I remember the devout and helpful husband and family man Kenneth was, and the kindness and smile he always showed during each home visit or at an event.
Thoughtful, a hard worker, good person, and a genuine soul. My prayers for healing, peace, comfort, and acceptance.
Love, Kathy Lofton

To you Ann. Here in Atlanta is where I met you and Kenneth. Your kindness and respect was highly admirable. I know that you will miss your husband wholeheartedly. Stay Strong Ann!

Condolences to Ann and the Jenkins family for the loss of a great man! I am praying for you and the family. Phyllis Hampton

We feel a loss that cannot be explained .He treated us as if we were his family and we loved him as if he was part of ours. He was a great man and we are all better for having known him. Our deepest sympathy to you, Ann, and to your family. Kathy, Ed, and Eddie Owen

Percie, words cannot express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Whenever I saw Kenneth,his love and pride for you was always apparent. Holding you and your family close to our thoughts & prayers. We wish you peace,strength and loving memories to hold in your heart.
Deepest sympathies,
Rachel & Ed Foley

May the healing gifts of time and the timeless Love of God and the memories of Kenneth's love, laughter,and joy carry you through everyday. Sending Prayers, Love and Hugs. Constance

Ann we are praying for your strength during this time of preparing for Kenneth's home going. Ken lived a life of love and kindness. As we light this candle we are sending you and the Jenkins family our deepest sympathy. We love you dearly and we are here for you. Melvin and Catrina White

To the Jenkins family: We offer our heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Wayne was a treasured friend who touched our lives in many ways through the last 40 years. He had a positive light about him that touched everyone he met, so he will be truly missed..Rest Well My Brother..David and Barbara Cash...

Praying God will grant comfort, strength, peace and understanding to Mrs. Jenkins and Family. Kenny was a man of integrity, kindhearted and dependable. He will truly be missed. Sandra Bell

I offer my condolences and prayers to Ann and the Jenkins family. God is with you & will see you through this difficult time.

To Ann and the Jenkins Family. Truly Kenneth will be missed. He was a caring and sharing person. Our thoughts and Prayers goes out to the Family. The Bible says, For to me to live is Christ, and to Die is gain. Philippians 1:21 Coworker and Friend Min. Leon and Deborah Walker

I'm so sorry to hear of Uncle Wayne's passing. I pray the memories you made together help you through this most difficult time. Our family will keep your family in our prayers.
Sincerely, Jeanna & Steven Chalmers

RIP Kenneth you will be missed condolence to Brandon and the Jenkins family.

Wayne, you are truly missed. I remember the memories at your home such warm hospitality as well as the many memories spent at Mom Sunday dinners growing up. I love dearly brother in law. My deepest condolences to Andrew, Ann , Jackie and entire Jenkins's family

Praying for GOD's comfort, encouragement, and peace for Ann and sons now and always in JESUS name.🙏🏿

Dear Ann, Now more than ever, Darnell and I send our love to you and the entire Jenkins family. We loved visiting you and Kenneth, and will always cherish the love, kindness and hospitality you showed us. Such a kind soul, gone way too soon. You have our sincere condolences.

To Ann and the Jenkins Family. You have our condolences and prayers On your loss. Thomas & Delois Coffey. Norfolk, Virginia.

Condolences to the family. Brother in law you will be dearly missed. I will always cherish our memories. I love you dearly.💕

Deepest sympathy to the family, My classmate Northside High School C/O 1981 and Brother-in-law. You will truly be missed 🙏🏾 l remember the good times, laughter , and fun. - Beverly A. Jenkins

Gone too soon! You will truly be missed. We met while traveling and became traveling buddies as well as close friends. Our hearts and prayers go out to Ann and the Jenkins family. RIH buddy! Until we meet again! Kenneth and Trina Reed

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

R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN