Lois Jenkins (Lansing)

Lois Jenkins, known by many as “The Black Queen of Lansing,” peacefully departed this life to enter into eternal rest with her Heavenly Father on Monday, October 19, 2020 in Lansing, Michigan. She was born on February 13, 1933 in Bessemer, Alabama to Tandy and Lillie Jenkins.

She moved to Lansing, Michigan in 1965 to make a better life for herself and children whom she loved so very much. Lois accepted the Lord at an early age and she always attended church; she had great faith and trust in the Lord. When she first moved to Lansing, she became a member of the Lansing Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop S.C. Coles. In January 1981, she became a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (PRBC) under the leadership of Reverend Arcelious E. Flanagan. She was a faithful member until the time of her transition. At PRBC, she served in the Missionary Ministry, Culinary Ministry, and the Mothers Board. Lois was known as the “Lady in the back of the church”. She always encouraged the pastors with her statements such as, “You can say that again”, “They hear you”, and “Take your time; they ain’t got nowhere to go”.

Lois held numerous jobs throughout her lifetime; she was maid for multiple families as well as a sous chef at Jim Tiffany’s in Lansing. She also was a teacher aide for the Lansing School District, a job she was very proud of. She enjoyed cooking and feeding anyone who stopped by her house. Her signature foods were barbeque roast, barbeque ribs, candied yams and her famous hot water and skillet cornbread. Whenever she made something delicious, she would tell you, “It so good; it’ll make you meet your grandma in the street and wanna jump on her”. Laughter and singing were something Lois loved to do. She always made everyone feel important and loved. To be remembered, Lois always introduced herself as “The Black Queen of Lansing”. When you were in her town, her territory, she let all know she was the one and only “Black Queen of Lansing”. Whenever she went to anyone’s celebration or event, she never departed without singing her favorite song “Stormy Monday”. She also enjoyed collecting dolls and gardening; she was very proud of her flower garden and she was quick to show it off. When it came to holidays, she really enjoyed celebrating them all; passing out candy and dressing up for Halloween was one of her favorite things to do.

Lois leaves to cherish her loving memory two daughters, Jan (Shawn) Sanders–Williams, and Tracy (Arthur) Strudwick; three sons, Robert Jones III, Andrew Jenkins, and Willie Jenkins; 22 grandchildren; 46 great grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends including her beloved chihuahua, “Meg Ryan,” her devoted dog.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Tandy and Lillie Jenkins; three brothers, Adam Hill, Tandy Jenkins, Jr., and Willie C. Jenkins; four sisters, Dorothy Ester, Willie Jean Jenkins, Mahala Harrell, and Jessie Scates.