Eloise Bynum Jenkins

Mrs. Eloise Bynum Jenkins was born in rural Hartsville, South Carolina to the late Caleb and the Late Everline Bynum on October 8, 1924. This union was blessed not only with a loving and devoted daughter, but also a son, the Late Andrew (Lillie Mae) Bynum. Mrs. Eloise grew up in Hartsville before the family relocated to the Heart of the Pee Dee, Darlington, South Carolina, where she attended public schools, graduating from Mayo High School. At an early age, she was baptized and dedicated her life to Christ, embarking on a lifetime of service to God, her family, and humanity. After graduating from high school, she migrated to New Haven, Connecticut, where she worked and later met and married the Late John W. Jenkins. Diminutive in stature, and fleet of gate, our mother traversed through life, faithfully serving mankind. She joined Friendship Baptist Church where she worked as an organizer for the culinary events and served as dedicated president and member of the Friendship Baptist Church Usher Board. Mrs. Eloise was known throughout the neighborhood as the most congenial, compassionate, and caring friend, neighbor and mother to all, always inviting friends and strangers alike to partake in her scrumptious meals, carefully crafted with as much love as culinary skills and artistry. Her domestic and culinary skills were evident as she worked tirelessly as a domestic employee for many years in order to provide for her family. She modeled the life she desired her children to emulate, consistently ensuring that they knew and valued God, developed a foundation for learning in school, established a relationship with Jesus and served as a light to humanity. Her love showed in subtle ways: in her gentle spirit, and infectious smile. It was never more evident than it was in the way she kneaded the dough for homemade biscuits, delicately blended just the right ingredients for desserts, and prepared for world class turkey dressing to the delight of family and friends on many special occasions. She established enduring friendships with Mrs. Lucia Johnson, Mrs. Willie Mae Brown, Mrs. Queen Esther “Doll” Jett, the Late Mrs. Margaret Boatwright, and a once in a lifetime friend and confidante, the Late Mrs. Gladys Wingate. With an even temperament, Mrs. Eloise never allowed a harsh word to drip form her lips, mildly admonishing her sometimes ill-tempered ones “You can tame a lion with kindness” and so she tamed many lions with the calm and gentle way she conversed with others, listening and loving more than judging. While she devoted her life to allowing her light to shine by serving others, her children devoted their lives to serving her. When Kenneth returned home to Darlington, he was able to give back to his mother for the years she gave to her family. When she could no longer care for herself, her daughter, Marcella took up the mantle and became her stole caregiver. After relocating to New Haven, Mrs. Eloise joined the family of Community Baptist Church. Her strength, resolve, and determination to persevere manifested in Marcella. With God’s grace, prayers from family afar, and the support of her daughter, Stacey and grandchildren, Marcella lavished love on her mother. After many years of illness, Mrs. Eloise transitioned peacefully at the home of her faithful and dedicated daughter, Marcella. Mrs. Eloise was preceded in death by her parents, the Late Caleb and Everline Bynum; her brother, Andrew (Lillie Mae) Bynum, two sons, the Late Rommel (Brenda) Bynum, and the Late Alvin Jenkins; and one grandson, Andrew Thomas III. She leaves a host of relatives and friends to cherish her memory and assume her legacy of loving and caring: one son: Kenneth (the Late Brenda) Jenkins of Lumberton, North Carolina: two daughters: Ms. Marcella Jenkins of New Haven, Connecticut; Mrs. Evelyn (Drew) Thomas of Sunrise, Florida; five grandchildren: Melissa Jenkins of Lake Worth, Florida; Romella Bynum of Darlington, South Carolina; Tanisha Jenkins of District Heights of Maryland; Tony Bynum of Virginia; and Stacey (Jamal) McCrea of New Haven, Connecticut; seven greatgrandchildren: Justin and Jordan Bynum of Virginia; Marquis and Brandon Bynum of Darlington, South Carolina, Anthony Brockington, Jr., Quimoni Roberson, and Taylor McCrea of New Haven, Connecticut; and Devaughn Jenkins of Lake Worth, Florida. Special Sister-in-law, Lillie M. Bynum of Darlington, South Carolina, one nephew, Andrew (Runette) Bynum of Darlington, South Carolina and nieces Linda and Tiffany Holmes and Morgan Hines of Maryland.

Eloise Bynum Jenkins

October 8, 1924 - January 6, 2020