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Thomas Jenkins Obituary
AGE: 73 • Wilmington
Dr. Thomas Elbert Jenkins, DMD, 73, of Wilmington died peacefully at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Delaware on January 5. A dedicated dentist, husband, stepfather, and entertainer, Dr. Jenkins was born on July 31, 1943, in Cambridge, Maryland, the youngest of eight children of William E. and Violet A. Jenkins.?
He grew up in Wilmington, graduated from De La Warr High School in 1961 and earned a BS at Delaware State University in 1965. He graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1973. Dr. Jenkins worked in the Wilmington area for more than four decades, and ran a full-service practice that also treated special needs patients. Most recently, he served as dental director for the Delaware Psychiatric Center. He was a fellow and past president of the Delaware chapter of the Academy of General Dentistry, a member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and the International Academy of Dentistry. As chairman of the board for the Juvenile Awareness Education Program of Delaware, Dr. Jenkins was instrumental in the helping to end street gang violence in the mid-1980s.
He was an enthusiastic member of the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, singing in the choir and participating in many church productions, such as the lead in Jesus Christ Superstar. He was also a vocalist with Opera Delaware for 17 years, performing in productions including Carmen, Stiffelio and Tales of Hoffmann.
When he wasn't working or singing, Dr. Jenkins loved the martial arts - he was a former third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and loved to impress children by breaking boards and bricks with his hand, and he watched every karate movie he could get. He was also an astronomy buff, an ardent follower of track & field and a former season ticket holder of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia 76ers, expecting much more from both teams.
Dr. Jenkins was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jane (nee Werth), who died in 2014. He is survived by a stepson, Chris Dolmetsch, his partner, Christine Graf, of Metuchen, NJ; sisters Rev. Dr. Barbara E. Jones, Carmita M. Hall, Jean C. Pinkston, Marjorie L. Everett (Herbert) of Wilmington, Sylvia Mack Daniels (James) of Neptune, NJ; and brothers William F. Jenkins of Clinton, MD; and Michael E. Jenkins (Rosetta) of Passaic, NJ.
Donations should be made to the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, 730 Halstead Road,?Wilmington, DE 19803. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm Jan. 15 at the church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Jenkins
Michael V.
April 12, 2021
I will always remember and love Dr. Jenkins I truly miss him can't believe its been 4 years. I had the pleasure of working for him fir 7 . Truly was my kindred spirit, and I have memories to cherish about my mentor, employer, friend. RIP DR. JENKINS my fellow singer and martial arts movie buff.
N Durham
July 9, 2018
I would never be where I am today without the help and encouragement from Dr. Jenkins! Missed but remembered dearly XoXO
Dr. Cendie Crawley
December 20, 2017
To The Jenkins Family:
I was shocked to learned that Dr. Jenkins passed earlier this year. He was my mentor while I attended Dental School at Temple University. I often visited his dental practice in Wilmington, Delaware to shadow him while he practiced dentistry. He was a great person. Gone too soon.
November 7, 2017
Praying for a speedy recovery. Dr. Jenkins was my dentist for many years in the city of Wilmington. Always playing some feel good music. We both busted out in song one time. I am truly sorry to hear of such a significant loss.
I G
August 14, 2017
Dr. Jenkins, the wisdom you gave me about god will last in my forever. Always in my heart you are. I love you. -11
Sam & Sandie Katz
March 29, 2017
Ourhearts are broken. We just found out that our dentist and friend, Dr Jenkins, passed away earlier this year. We will truly miss this fantastic man. RIP
James Cooper
January 20, 2017
I will never forget his encouraging words as a student at Temple Dental School. He made me realize that if I worked hard I could get through as he had done. He is surely missed.
Robert Marier, DDS
January 17, 2017
I worked with Dr. J on National Guardsmen several times over the last few years. Though some whistle while they work, He sang along with his i-pad, brightened everyone's day. He was very competent, caring, sharing of his experience and professional in his practice of our profession. I'll miss him.
Robert Neifert
January 17, 2017
Dr. Jenkins literally put a smile back on my face.Forever Grateful! May you rest in eternal peace.
January 15, 2017
To the Jenkins Family:
Thank you for sharing Dr. Jenkins with the world.
To know a true definition of man is to have known Dr. Jenkins.
Dr. Jenkins was my Mentor, Boss, Friend and most of all a special Cousin.
To have known Dr. Jenkins was to love him.
Dr. Jenkins was the best Boss you could ever want and wish for.
For the last two and a half years I had the opportunity to work for Dr. Jenkins.
Dr. Jenkins set the bar high when it came to Dental Care. Dr. Jenkins gave his all everyday to his Patients when he walked thru the door.
Dr. Jenkins our Heavenly Father needed you more.
Peacefully rest my Cousin, peacefully rest.
To the Jenkins Family may God keep you in his embrace always.
Veronica Bright & Family, New Castle, DE
Brenda Hampton
January 14, 2017
Christian and the Jenkins family,
Although Thomas is no longer here with us, fond memories of him will always remain in our hearts.
The Hampton and Gagneron family
Susan Osowski
January 13, 2017
Dr. Jenkins was a wonderful person. He truly cared about others and went out of his way to be kind and to do whatever he could to help everyone he knew. I was very sorry to hear of his passing, but God must have needed his angel back. My sympathy to his family. God bless.
Judy Crozier
January 13, 2017
While the obituary captured Tom's professional life, his family and his many interests, I want to add that he was a gem among men...always kind, compassionate, generous, humble and gentle. He will remain in my memory as a soul to emulate. It was an honor to know him. Condolences to his family and friends.
George Derenzo, DDS
January 13, 2017
To the Jenkin family. Our whole hearted sympathy. He will be truly missed.
George Derenzo, and Staff
Rev. Julia Dorman
January 12, 2017
to the Jenkins family,
so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. May God's love grant you peace beyond all human understanding. In the words of Jesus, my peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, give I unto you. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Be encouraged.
New Castle H.S. DE Alumni Association, Est. 1914 New Castle H.S. DE Alumni Association, Est.
January 12, 2017
The NEW CASTLE H.S. DE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, EST. 1914 would like to express our sympathies and condolences on the loss of Dr. Jenkins. We send this to all of his family and many friends.
Gerri Ross
January 12, 2017
An excellent dentist, a fine gentleman, a wonderful friend. Celebrating a life well-lived.
Debra Godwin
January 12, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Dr. Jengine was my dentist for many years. Very kind man. He will be missed.
RC
January 12, 2017
My deep condolences to the family. May the encouragement given at Phillipians 4:6, 7 provide you with comfort and hope at this difficult time.
Carol Succarotte Daniels
January 12, 2017
We have lost a great dentist here in Delaware. I was and am terrified of dentist. It is a major ordeal for me to get there and for a dentist to work on me. So for me to make that opening statement is something not to take lightly. Dr Jenkins was patient, had a calming spirit, and never discounted my fear. He helped me thru the fear and the drama that goes with someone that has a fear of dentist. Thank you Dr. Jenkins for being the kind spirit and man of God that I know you are. To your family, rejoice and celebrate Dr Jenkins life and spirit. Find peace knowing he is at peace and know that the heavens are celebrating him this day.
Dr. Alphonso L. Mack
January 12, 2017
You have been a shining example to me all of my life, both personally and professionally. Your death is the passing through the birth canal into a new promised life with Jesus Christ. One that is rich and rewarding. For Christ has made a home for you to dwell in with him forever.
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