Sammie Jenkins

Mr. Sam Jenkins, 86, of Middletown, Connecticut, born to the late Mr. & Mrs. Elijah and Florence (Ham) Jenkins on March 29, 1937 entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 8, 2024. Sam relocated to New Jersey with his uncles at the age of 14 from Pamplico, South Carolina. He later moved to Middletown, Connecticutwhere he continued to pursue the love of his life from back home, Mrs. Eara Mae (Bartell) Jenkins. They were united in Holy matrimony on April 16, 1959 and remained as husband and wife until his dear Eara’s passing on June 18, 2023. Sam was a praying man, a dedicated, family-oriented man, he had agentle spirit with a heart of gold and would give you his last. He was not one to talk your ear off but would most definitely call to check in on you. To know him was to love him. He was a founding member of Zion First Baptist Church and held the title of the longest remaining Deacon at the time of his passing. If you knew him, you know that he LOVED Zion First Baptist and was a dedicated and faithful member for more than 6 decades. From the groundbreaking ceremony of the church until his dying day. As a member of Zion, Sam served on the Board of Deacons, he was the Chairman for many years as well. He served as the church sexton for numerous years and would often have his 5 daughters right along with him, helping to clean the church when they were younger. He loved to sing and was a member of many choirs over the years including the Sons of Zion and the Combined choir. He would visit the sick and shut-in to serve communion, have prayer and fellowship with them. He was a member of the Men’s Ministry, served as Assistant Chaplin of the Willing Workers and faithfully attended bible study and Sunday school. Sam also sang with several traveling gospel groups in addition to the choirs at Zion. His favorite song to sing was I believe I’ll run on. Beloved Son, Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather and Friend, you ran a good race and we know that the Lord welcomed you into your new eternal home in the sky with open arms saying well done My good and faithful servant. Amen. Throughout his working career Sam was employed by Monsanto, EIS and the American Red Cross. Visiting with family brought him great joy, especially his trips back home to South Carolina. He enjoyed fishing, listening to gospel music, watching gospel videos, westerns and the animal channel. His van was his “man cave” he would be outside for hours cleaning it up, listening to music, reading his bible and talking on the phone. In his later years he was not able to move around as well anymore; but if you invited him to an event, you could best believe that he was going to pull up and blow the horn to let you know he was outside and ready to pick up his plate. Sam was predeceased by his wife Eara Jenkins, daughter Sonya Jenkins, sisters Pearl and Susie Jenkins, brothers Elijah, Nathaniel, Thomas, Jerry, Cordie, Allen and Johnny Jenkins. Left to cherish his memories are four daughters, Elonda, Shirley, Sandraand Sharon Jenkins all of Middletown, CT. A niece who he considered his6th daughter, Vanessa Strickland. Two sisters, Lizzie Mae (Jenkins) Adams of Middletown and Renetta (Jenkins) Watson of Charleston, SC. 12 grandchildren, Jakeis, Pasha, Terelle, Equalla, Sharita, Mario, Shakena, Navida, Taryan, Travon, Michael and Bianca. 14 great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews & friends and a dear friend, Mr. Eddie Freeman.

Sammie Jenkins

March 29, 1937 - January 8, 2024