Bonita Grace Jenkins

JENKINS, Bonita Grace Of Kalamazoo Bonita (Bonnie), age 83, was born May 15, 1926, in Three Rivers, Michigan, the daughter of Dale and Gladys (Sprague) Thompson and after a lengthy struggle with diabetes she died on Monday, February 15, 2010. On December 8, 1945, she was united in marriage to Harry P. Jenkins of Constantine who preceded her in death on January 29, 2003. Also preceding her in death were her parents, four brothers, Billy, Robert, Berwyn and Bruce Thompson, and a sister, Beryl Jenkins. Surviving are four sons and their wives, James and Sharon Jenkins of Galesburg, MI, Jeoffrey and Phyllis Jenkins of Lexington, IL, Jerry and Dianna Jenkins of Colorado Springs, CO, Jay and Sue Jenkins of Senegal, West Africa; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Beatrice Quade of Beloit, WI and Rebecca Brunton of Eaton Rapids, MI; many nieces and nephews. Bonnie placed her faith in Jesus as a teenager and brought her sons up teaching them His saving grace. She directed the choir at five churches in 50 years, beginning with Oakwood Bible Church in Kalamazoo, then moving to Illinois. She was both a piano student and teacher. She was a special friend to nieces, Wanda and Kenda, trading emails often. Bonnie exemplified her name and was gracious to all she met. Her entire life was characterized by sacrifice and devotion to her family. The family deeply appreciates the visits, notes, expressions of concern, and prayers of her friends and staff at The Fountains where she resided for the past eight years, also the staff at Fresenious Renal Care and Rose Arbor Hospice. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday at Berean Baptist Church (7813 S. 12th Street) with Pastor Steve Nichols officiating. Interment will follow in Three Rivers Riverside Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Bonita may be directed to Berean Baptist Church Building Fund, 7813 South 12th St., Portage, MI 49024. Please visit www.langelands.com for online information, guestbook, memories and condolences for the family.