Dorothy Jenkins (Lansing)

Mrs. Dorothy Mae Jenkins passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Sparrow Health System, Sparrow Campus in Lansing, Michigan. Age 67 years. She was born on April 9, 1955, in Birmingham, Alabama to James Aurelious Christian and Cleola Clark Christian. She was the third child in the line of eleven children (seven girls and four boys). We called her “Dot”.

Dorothy confessed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age. She was baptized and became a member at Bethel Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Robert Smith, Sr.

After relocating to Lansing in 1971, Dorothy graduated from Harry Hill High School in 1973. Dorothy united with Union Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Emeritus, Reverend Charles J. Patterson, Sr. It was there that she met Timothy Jenkins where they both served in the Young Adult Choir. The two of them were married in November 1978. To this union, two daughters were born, Tracy Nicole Jenkins and Ashley Lorraine Jenkins. Dorothy and Timothy were married 31 years before Timothy preceded her in death on December 25, 2009. Dorothy was a devoted wife, a kind and loving mother, and a doting and caring grandmother.

Dorothy became a member of the Lansing Christian Center Church in 1985 under the late Pastor Howard Davenport. Dorothy loved to sing and served as a member of the Praise Company Music Ministry there. She was also a member of a singing group which began as the Lansing Community Choir, and later became the Robert L. Jenkins Singers. As a Praise and Worship leader for Lansing Christian Center Church, one of her favorite songs was “Celebrate Jesus!” What a beautiful, and oh so powerful voice!

Dorothy worked 46 years at Farm Bureau Insurance Company, her last position being that of Senior Image and Mailing Technician. She also worked part-time at Macy’s Department Store in the Fine Jewelry Department. Everyone who encountered her always found her to be warm and pleasant, very knowledgeable, and always, always, helpful.

Dorothy spent her life giving. It all came so naturally to her. There was no reciprocity required in her giving. She gave silently without hope of praise or accolades. She was a giver of unique and practical gifts. She’d give a gift for no reason and no special occasion was needed. Dorothy was always concerned about you personally. With all her giving of fine jewelry, clothing, toys, cologne, etc., she gave herself. Her heart was in everything she gave. She gave GREAT gifts!!!

Yes, Dorothy was a giver but, first and foremost she was a thanks-giver. She was continually giving thanks to God for all his many blessings and offering sacrifices of praise in leading worship services at Lansing Christian Center Church.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Tracy Nicole Jenkins and Ashley Loraine Jenkins; eight grandchildren, Christopher Williams, Nadia Williams, Elijah Williams, Kendall Williams, Leo Williams and Lola Williams, A’Myah James and Davion James; father, James A. Christian; mother, Cleola Crawford; three brothers: Alfred (Stella) Christian, James Alan (Carrie) Christian, and Aurelious Christian, six sisters, Freddie Perdue, Virginia Carolyn Turner, Janice Christian, Janet (Michael) Washington, DeAquanita Christian, Jamie Christian-Parker; brother-in-law, Robert L. (Beverly) Jenkins; sister-in-law, April Jenkins; aunt, Leola Watts; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy Jenkins; and brother, Reginald Christian.