Michelle Jenkins

Michelle Jenkins was the first of seven children born to the union of Thomas and Ava Jenkins on December 5, 1955, in Kansas City, MO.

Michelle was preceded in death by her mother Ava Jenkins; sister Chandra Jenkins; maternal and paternal grandparents; four aunts, five uncles, including her Aunt Gloria Stanley and Uncle Carroll Johnson; two nephews, Bobby Joe Jenkins Jr. and Reginald Jacquan Jenkins Sr.; one niece, Arieanna Key-Davis; one cousin, Brett Stanley; and her close friend, Velma “Bam” Scott.

Michelle graduated from Central High School in 1974. She was a member of junior varsity and later varsity cheerleading squads and participated in Inroads. She went on to attend the University of MO – Columbia (MU).

Michelle started her employment at an early age, working for the family-owned business, Mooney’s Fine Foods. After her college years at MU, she worked for Bendix /Allied Signal and later Osco Drug Store (CVS).

Michelle's faith walk began at Church of the Living God where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She participated in many ministries including YPPU and the youth choir.

Michelle grew up in a large family and collected numerous friends throughout her life. Like her mother and maternal grandmother, she knew no stranger and once you were considered a friend, you were family. Her door was open to all, and her love language was food –anyone who came through her door left fed and “full.”

Her love for family was tremendous, and her love for her children and grandchildren, unmatched. Michelle had a unique relationship with each family member – aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, etc. She had a special bond with each of her children, grandchildren, and a particularly special relationship with her great grandson that will make for lasting memories as he grows older.

Her legacy lives on through her father, Thomas Jenkins Sr.; son, Darnell Jenkins, daughter, Shenika Jenkins, three granddaughters, Terriona Jenkins, Jada Atkins, Serenity Mayberry; one grandson, Gregory Atkins III; one great grandson, A’siir Brenson-Jenkins; significant other, Bernard Burns; four sisters, Verlinda Jenkins-Moss (Charles), Carmen Jenkins-Richardson (Joe), Gwendolyn Jenkins, Terrye Jenkins; two brothers, Thomas Jenkins, Jr.; Bobby Joe Jenkins; four aunts, Shirley Tolbert, Kathleen Baker, Jacquelyn Jordan, Carolyn Johnson; one uncle, Frank Jenkins; special cousins, Paula McCrary (Terry), Connie Stanley-Powell.; Diane Stevenson; goddaughter, Asia Lacey; the 36th & Wabash families; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.