Norma Jenkins

Norma Jean Jenkins, 82, departed her life on March 18, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. Norma was born to Robert Sweatman and  Susie Miller-Sweatman on June 8th, 1938, in Keytesville, MO. She grew up in Huntsville, MO until age 10, before moving with her mother and father, William E. Green, to Kansas City, MO. Norma attended R.T. Coles Vocational High School, studying sewing and industrial/manual arts training. After high school, Norma found employment where there were people to talk with, a high energy environment, and productivity all around. Greeting and serving others with cheer and laughter was her super power! Whether serving food and refreshments at the lunch counter at Crown Drugstore, or providing generous food demonstration samples (and cooking advice!) at Costco, Norma had such a magnetic personality, in every sense of the word! She excelled in her industrial work, with lead positions at Bendix, Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Allis-Chalmers, and Tension Envelope, from which she retired. Our Norma will be deeply missed. Norma was baptized in 1985 and became a member of Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend I.V. McKenzie. She served faithfully, with Usher Board #1 as her ministry. Norma was briefly married to Arthur B. Caldwell, in February 1955. Norma married Richard I. Jenkins in January 1975. They were happily married 31 years, until Richard's passing in December 2005. Norma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson, Jamar Finley, great-granddaughter, Kahliyah Walker, and brother-in-law, Frank Dugas. Norma is survived by her daughter, Jimmiel Finley (Kenneth, Sr.), son, William V. Caldwell; grandchildren, Kenneth Finley, II (Jenelle), Kenyetta Finley, William Finley; 16 great-grands; sisters, Carolyn Dugas, Deborah Green; Aunts, Rosemary Dawson, Ella Wright, and a host of dear relatives and friends.

Due to COVID-19, please respect social distancing and face covering guidelines. Temperature checks will be enforced.