Joie de vivre is a French phrase often used in English to express a cheerful enjoyment of life, an exultation of spirit, and general happiness.

I always try to find that joie de vivre often displayed by Nellie Ruth Cherry. 

Nellie always knew how to have fun and a good laugh. She taught me lots of cards games like crazy eights, solitaire, rummy, spades and of course dominoes. She continued to play dominoes into her late 90's.

She loved to ride along the coast, sit and look at the ocean. And it always added to the fun if she could sneak in a sip of Michelob.

Fondly remembering my grandmother.

She helped with my rearing because mama worked long hours.

She always kept me busy: working in the garden, dusting her precious nick-nacks and of course running to the local market for all sorts of items. Some items would be illegal for a child to buy today...chewing tobacco or a can of beer; and she always had forgotten grocery items. 

Another trait I remember was that she often talked on the phone and forgot she was cooking. We'd hear the pressure cooker whistle; and she would throw down the phone and run into the kitchen...just in time.

More stories to come. 

Rukiya

I am grateful for having had Nellie Ruth, my grandmother in my life. She was a wise woman who instinctively knew what to say at the right time. I was blessed to benefit from her words of wisdom.  In her last 10 years of life, one of her wise comments was, "I learn something new everyday." She said this when she was over 100 years of age, she had a teachable spirit. I strive to have those experiences daily. 

Also, Nellie consistently read the Word of God throughout her life.  While sorting through paperwork I came across some correspondence showing she regularly completed Bible classes from a Christian Bible School. It is inspiring to know that she continued to study and grow spiritually.

She lived many years after the death of her spouse (they were married over 50 years). Perhaps it was her close relationship with God that resulted in her having a long life. However, if you asked her, she might say "honoring your father and mother will give you extended life." She lived nearly 105 years.

To God Be The Glory. 

What a pleasure it was meeting you.
Seeing your zest for life.
How blessed you are to have such a wonderful and devoted granddaughter to care for you.

Thank you for a life well lived.

The song,
'This Little Light of Mine' ... I'm gonna let it shine. This is the song we used to sing at the nursing home. We went on and on about where we would let it shine....in my neighborhood, in my front yard etc. Momsey and I always had fun singing that song. She let her light shine throughout life and it is still shining in my life.

“NELLIE RUTH EMANUEL JENKINS”

It’s the story of a blessed woman
Who truly loves the Lord
Her desire is for everyone
To live under the same accord

Today we reflect on her time on earth
Valentine Nebraska was her place of birth

Born on August 29, 1907
Definitely a blessing from heaven

A strong woman who has truly enjoyed her life
From a family of 14 and later became the late
Norman Walker Jenkins lovely wife

She Birthed 3 children
Later became a foster parent and mother to many
As far as her patience she has plenty

To name a few of her precious desires
Crocheting, painting, ceramics
She also enjoyed singing in the choir

She enjoys life
as well as giving positive advice
And doesn’t mind if she has to give it twice

She is a woman that you can’t help but to admire and love
Nellie Ruth Emmanuel Jenkins
Is certainly a gift from above

Today we celebrate you
Thanking God for your ripe age of one hundred and two

Happy Birthday Grandmother
&
May God Continue to Bless you!

Written by Rhonda Duran 8.28.09
Poet, Entertainer, gifted Woman of God

It has been over 5 years and I still cherish the memories of knowing
"Momsey."

She is truly blessed to have had such a loving granddaughter. An
African proverb says our loved ones remain alive when we speak their names. I speak your name: Nellie Ruth Emmanuel Jenkins!!!!

Momsey Jenkins

So glad to remember you each year, you were so loved by so many. I am happy to have had such a beautiful spirit to teach, correct and love me for so many years.  I thank God for you presence in my life. 

Loving Granddaughter Rukiya R. L. Rountree

A message from Khadija Connor sent on Aug. 29, 2016

Recently, while doing some major housecleaning,I found pictures of past birthdays. I smiled fondly thinking of the memories I shared with her granddaughter Rukiya. She was feisty, she was fun and she was truly fabulous.  And most importantly, she was loved. Again, condolences to the family. It is still a great loss to all of us.
    Khadija

Your memory is alive in the wonderful stories that Rukiya shares about you. You have left much behind. Be at peace.

Rukiya, you lovingly took care of your grandmother, and still take care to remember her anniversaries. Our African ancestors believed that a person was not dead until know one remembers their name. We know she is alive with Jesus now, but she is also alive on earth because we remember her.

Aunt Nellie,

May you continue to rest in the arms of Jesus.. I'm doing all I can to learn of my Family History.. I remember meeting you back in 1975-76 and you shared memories of the family... I will cherish your kind words of wisdom forever..

Luv U,

Kenny Jordan

Momsey, I often miss you. Although your flower has faded your lovely fragrance perfumes and refreshes my life with joyful memories and wisdom for a successful life.

I am so glad that I was able to visit with Ms. Nellie Ruth Jenkins and Rev. Rountree several times. I especially enjoyed the brunch we had by the water. I appreciated her joy of life, which taught me to embrace each moment. She is truly missed.

I celebrate all that you taught me in living life to it's fullest. 
Thank you.

Tribute by Rev. C. Brown--We find joy in knowing that our lives have been enriched, inspired and motivated, by having shared special moments with Sister Nellie Ruth Jenkins. Her long life was a blessing and a truthful witness of God's favor shown for one of his chosen vessels.

Gone but not forgotten. We miss you, Momsey. Always in our hearts.

She was with the Lord for Easter! My dad was also born in 1907, I hope they have met up there. We praise God for a life well lived.

Weeping may Endure for a night, but Joy cometh in the morning! Wow 104 years old what a Blessing!! Keeping you all lifted in prayer!

Now she lives forever with the Lord. Ruthann and Cherlyn be at peace, your grandmother is safely home. She is reunited with her beloved husband, mother and father and all those she dearly loved while on earth. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

I had the pleaure of meeting you at your 100th birthday!
You were full of life; danced, and recited bible verses.

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.God Bless.

Many blessings to Ruthann, Jerlyn and Michelle as they continue to live out the results of the love, caring and wisdom that you shared with them over the years. May you rest in peace in the arms of God. We know that God's love continues to surround and enfold you throughout eternity.  John and Sylvia

The Bible Verses, the unwavering deternination to live your life, the wonderful anecdotes you provided for Ruthann - and me by extension - are only a few of the things I will remember. People who have touched us live on in us. That touch gets passed on, and on and on.

May your passage to eternity be sweet and may your reception at the golden gates be joyous. Sit then and rest from the long journey; enjoying the presence of God.

Heaven has one more angel!
I remember how gracious you were;
God truly blessed you with a full life and
you were a blessing to many people.
What a reunion in heaven- I can hear you singing: Yes, Jesus Loves Me.
And he truly does!