Bernice Mae Jenkins

Mrs. Bernice Elnora Mae Fingers Jenkins (Matriarch) transitioned from this old, earthly home, and moved to a brand new, heavenly home on October 24, 2020, at her home in Rives, TN. Mrs. Jenkins was one of the oldest citizens in the city of Rives. She was born on August 20, 1923 in Jordan, KY. Her parents were the late Ruby Fingers and Beatrice Barr. Bernice was united in holy matrimony to Ual Jenkins on September 18, 1943 in Charleston, MO. They were married for 72 years, until the chain was broken on November 30, 2015. Between December 1946 and January 1959, they were obedient to God’s command, as stated in the Book of Genesis, to multiply and replenish the generations. They were blessed with seven children, and helped rear one granddaughter. Mrs. Jenkins’ survivors include: Euarlene Smith of Detroit, MI, Perry and Geraldine Jenkins of Union City, TN, Raymond and Rinda Jenkins of Union City, TN, Paul and Gloria Jenkins of Rives, TN, Nora and Charles Nichols of West Memphis, AR, Sherry Jenkins Davis of Rives, TN, Deborah Jenkins Lockwood of Rives, TN, and Meoshia Smith-Bogins of Detroit, MI, 17 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Bernice was a long time and faithful member of Bashan Baptist Church in Rives, TN. She was the mother of Bashan Baptist, as well as, the president of the Fifth Sunday Reunion Sick Committee until her death. Bernice professed God at an early age in the Church of God in Christ. She loved serving God and attending church.

Mrs. Jenkins was a housewife for several years. In 1963, she started working at the Obion County General Hospital, and later retired after 20 years. Bernice was the last living mother of one of the Tenacious Seven; the first seven students to integrate the Obion County School System in 1963. She was a fantastic mother, a great cook, homemaker, helper, spiritual advisor, and warrior. She was witty and always made sure that you knew where you stood with her. “Praise the Lord” was her favorite saying, and her two favorite Bible verses were Matthew 18:19 “Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it shall be done for them by My Father in heaven” and Hebrews 13:5 “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.””

Mrs. Bernice Jenkins is preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters.

Visitation services will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Bashan Baptist Church in Rives, TN.

Services will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Burial services will be at Eastview Cemetery in Union City, TN.

Rawls Funeral Home - Union City 731-885-8110