Mj Dinkins

1925 - 2026

MJ Dinkins
03/14/1925 - 01/13/2026
MJ Dinkins, affectionately known as "Papa J," was born on March 14, 1925, in Ladonia, Texas, to Mr. and Mrs. Birge and Marine Dinkins. He was blessed with siblings including one brother, George Ramond, and two sisters, Addie Pearl and Tanzie. He lived a full and meaningful life of 100 years, marked by faith, service, wisdom, and an enduring love for people.
MJ proudly served his country in the United States Naval Service during World War II. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Ribbon. His sense of duty and commitment to others extended far beyond his military service.
He lived for many years in California before returning to Texas in the 1990s, when he made Midland his home. After moving to Midland, MJ became actively involved in ministry and faithfully attended Macedonia Baptist Church. Known for his heart for people, he did not wait for others to come into the church; instead, he went into the community, meeting people where they were and sharing faith through presence, conversation, and compassion.
MJ was widely known for his guiding words, "Put it in the hands of the Lord," a phrase that reflected the way he lived his life. He possessed an impeccable memory and was a gifted storyteller, often teaching and captivating his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with detailed stories from decades before their time. He was also a skilled domino player, a pastime that brought laughter, connection, and joy across generations.
In the 1990s, MJ married Rebecca Nell, and the two shared 25 years of marriage until her passing in 2024. Though not related by blood, MJ was deeply loved, embraced, and cherished by Rebecca Nell's family, who treated him as their own. In his final days and hours, he was lovingly cared for and surrounded by them, a testament to the bonds he built through love, kindness, and faith.
MJ leaves to cherish his memory his children: three daughters, Annie, Maurine, and Rhonda; and five sons, Cecil, Allen, Douglass, Edward, and Victor. He is also survived by 28 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and loved ones.
Papa J will be remembered as a proud veteran, a faithful servant of God, a teacher of wisdom, a keeper of family history, and a patriarch whose life touched generations. His legacy lives on through the stories he told, the faith he shared, and the love he poured into everyone he met.