Adams announces the passing of Mrs. Ernestine Jenkins Jones, 84, who transitioned on Friday, July 06, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The Legacy of Ernestine J. Jones “A woman of noble character – who can find? …She is clothed with strength and dignity….
She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue…. She watches over the affairs of her household. …Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all”.
(Excerpts paraphrased from Proverbs 31:10, 25-27, and 29, New International Version) Ernestine J. Jones – an educator and community activist – was born in Savannah, GA, on December 21, 1933. She was the fourth and last child God presented to William Ernest, Sr., and Rebecca Singleton Jenkins. She was a product of the Savannah – Chatham County Public Schools system, and she graduated in 1952 from Woodville High School (Woodville – Tompkins Career Institute).
She earned her B.S. Degree from Savannah State College (University) in Social Studies/English. She furthered her education at Armstrong State College (University), the University of South Carolina and the Citadel, where she earned her Advancement Placement Certificate in English. Ernestine was employed by the Beaufort County School System, and she retired in 1995 after 31 years of service.
She served as department chairperson, as senior class, yearbook and newspaper advisor, and she received numerous awards, including Master Teacher (1978 – 1980 and 1985), Rotary Club award (1989), and Teacher of the Year (1992). She was involved or volunteered in many other organizations – both civic and social, such as Keep Savannah Beautiful (Vice Chair), Savannah Regional Youth Detention Center Advisory Council, Economic Opportunity Authority Policy Council, Neighborhood Coordinator/Chair Hopkins Street Corridor Beacons Program, Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services (Vice Chair) and League of Women Voters (State of Georgia). Further, she was a member of the Woodville – Tompkins Alumni Association (Finance Secretary), The Board of Elections of Chatham County (20 years), NAACP (Life Member) and Liberty City – Richfield – Southover Community Improvement Association, Inc. (President 14 years).
She received many accolades/awards for her work and leadership in her community association. She worked for the betterment of her community and, through the years, saw many improvements take place in her community as a result of her direct involvement. She was also the recipient of numerous recognitions presented by social and community organizations, including the Liberty City, Summerside, Southover and Richfield Church and Community Coalition for Youth Community Service Leader award, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Day Association, Inc. 2015 MLK Marshall, and in 2017, she was inducted into the Woodville-Tompkins High School Hall of Fame for basketball.
Of all her awards, she was most proud to receive the W.W. Law Legacy Award in 2010. Ernestine was baptized in Tremont Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Savannah, GA, and she was a member of the historic Second African Baptist Church, where she participated in various ministries, including the Education Commission and Senior Saints Ministry. On January 29, 1956, Ernestine married Clifton Jones, Jr
Their marriage lasted over sixty-two years, and they are the proud parents of four children (Edwin, Daryl, Glynda and Karen). After a short illness, on Friday, July 6, 2018, God sent his heavenly angels to St Joseph’s Hospital to escort her home to her eternal rest. In addition to her children, she will forever be loved and cherished by her family, including a devoted brother, Herbert “Bubba” L. Jenkins; her daughter-in-law (Una Satchell Jenkins); three grandchildren (James, Jameel and Jameelah); seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law (Rita Brown); special nieces (Gloria Brown and Catherine Spann); a host of nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces, great-grand nephews and nieces, cousins and friends; and special loving friends (Dr. and Mrs. Charles Holmes, Mrs. Ana Fenn, Mrs. Dorothy Jackson and Mrs. Dorothy Ware).
She was predeceased by her parents and two older brothers (William E. Jenkins, Jr. and Nathaniel “Bunny” Jenkins). Her students and colleagues constantly kept in touch with her throughout her teaching career and in her retirement as a community activist. Her legacy is that she inspired her children to be strong and independent.
She also inspired her children, family and students to further their education and career aspirations. She was truly respected and loved by many. In lieu of floral arrangements the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Second African Baptist Church Scholarship Fund at 123 Houston Street, Savannah, GA, 31401.
Viewing: Tuesday, July 10, 2018, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Celebration of Life: Wednesday, July 11, 2018, 11:00 AM, Second African Baptist Church, 123 Houston Street, Interment: Greenwich Section/Bonaventure Cemetery. Sign Guestbook: www.
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