Deacon Edward Lee Jenkins, Sr.

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.

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