The daughter of the late Jazie Blackmon Lawson and Henry D. Gray, Mrs. Jenkins was born on November 17, 1931 in Barbour County, Alabama. She was employed as a private duty nurse, and also worked at Oak Manor Nursing Facility. She was a devout member of New Hope Baptist Church, and was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mr. Alfred L. Jenkins, and a son, Robert E. Beverett.

Surviving are: two siblings, Carolyn F. Thomas and Henry C. Gray; a cousin, Pearl Prater; a devoted friend and caregiver, Mary D. Farley; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.