Brother Willie Edward Jenkins

Lithonia - Mr. Willie Edward Jenkins, 74 departed this life on Friday, October 14, 2016 at his home in Lithonia, Georgia surrounded by his loving family. Willie was born December 9, 1941 in Savannah, Georgia to the late Mr. William Edward and Mrs. Mattie Zeigler Jenkins. He graduated from Alfred E. Beach High School and continued his education at Savannah State College where he graduated with a B.S. in math and physics. He was also a member of the 1975 Outstanding Young Men of America and the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity where he was known as a humanitarian that served the community in many of ways. Brother Jenkins served in the U.S Army for a total of twenty years including a tour in Vietnam and the National Guards. He was recognized for numerous of medals and awards during his time in the service. In 1964 he married the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Izetta Rice. From this union, one son was born, Michael Edward Jenkins. Together they enjoyed Fifty-One blissful years of marriage until he was called home to rest. At an early age, he attended St. Phillips AME Church. Later in life he was baptized and added to the body of Christ and became a member of the Liberty City Church of Christ. Upon moving, to Atlanta, he and his wife, Izetta, placed their membership at the West End Church of Christ. He took pride in doing God's work as a devoted member and usher. He will always be remembered for his warm smile as he greeted his church family. Brother Jenkins began his career at Union Camp Corporation. He went on to become a Veteran's Affairs Officer as well as a math instructor at Savannah State College (now University) under the Veterans Ed and Enrichment Program. He excelled at many other jobs including Thirty years at Bellsouth/AT&T until he retired in 2009. He also owned several other small businesses during his lifetime. Willie truly enjoyed his family, church family, cooking, fishing, traveling, family reunions, and most of all photography. He will be remembered most for being a humanitarian, faithful friend, adored relative, dependable, and caring. He was always there with a helpful hand, words of advice, or simply a smile for anyone in need. The special gift that God sent us will be greatly missed by his wife: Mrs. Izetta Jenkins, one son: Michael Edward Jenkins (Keona Singleton Jenkins), four grandsons: Eric Riley, Paul Riley (Justis Riley), Caleb Singleton, Christian E. Jenkins, and one precious granddaughter: Victoria Jenkins. Two sister-in-laws: Brenda Summers, Yolanda Lovett. Two sisters at heart: Willa Smith and Catherine Roberts. Godchildren: Eric Brantley, Derrick Brantley, Aisha Scott, Ronnie Smith, Johnice Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family. PUBLIC VIEWING - 10am - 8pm Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 at the Funeral Home Committal Service & Interment: 1:00 pm Monday, October 24, 2016 at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Cortege will leave Savannah at 11:00 am.

Brother Willie Edward Jenkins

December 9, 1941 - October 14, 2016