Gladys Mae Jenkins

Gladys Mae (Schlafer) Jenkins of Hernando, MS passed away on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, at Providence Care Facility in Senatobia after a brief illness. She was born to Otto and Gladys Schlafer on June 26, 1936, in Memphis, TN as the eldest of six siblings. In her childhood, Gladys's family moved from Memphis to Bartlett, TN, where she attended school from the third grade until she graduated from Bartlett High School in 1954. After graduating, she was employed at Sears, where she found many friends and dedicated many years of service. On July 6th, 1957, Gladys married Gerald Eugene Jenkins. Gladys and Gerald created a beautiful family and journeyed life together through 52 years of marriage, until he preceded her in Death on October 10, 2009. The couple were longtime members of the Hernando Baptist Church, where Gladys was active until her death. Together, Gerald and Gladys became agents for Shelter Insurance Company until both of their retirements. They were both members and active supporters of the Hernando Optimist Club, where they had a particular fondness for helping organize the A-Fair in Hernando. Gladys is survived by Sherry Zittel (Tim) of Sheboygan, WI; Robin Wade (preceded in Heaven by Steve) of Hernando, MS; and Jamie Hubbard (Terry) of Batesville, MS. She leaves 3 grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren: Chelsea Adair (Rob) of Random Lake, WI; Teri Lynn Gordon (Henry) of Southaven, MS; Bryce Wade (Cameron) of Coldwater, MS; Jordan Bahr (Calvin) of Oostburg, WI; Ryan Zittel (Ashley) of Wheat Ridge, CO; and Kayleigh Zittel of Ripon, WI. Gladys leaves 4 great-grandchildren along with 2 step-great-grandchildren: Arianna & Michael Adair; Margaret & Elizabeth Gordon; as well as Monica & Aubree Bahr. Of her six siblings, she is also survived by her sister Evelyn Gotten (Henry) and her brother Otto (Ray Ann). She also leaves nieces, nephews, and additional extended family from both her maiden and marital side. Last, but never least, Gladys survives a most honorable friend and sister in Christ, Judy Beard (Ed) of Hernando, MS. In addition to her parents and husband, Gladys is preceded in death by her son-in-law, Steve Wade; her brother, Robert Schlafer; brother, Malcolm Schlafer; and Sister Margaret S. Rankin. A graveside service will be held at Hernando Memorial Park on Monday, October 13th at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, family asks you consider donations to the Hernando Baptist Church and/or the Optimist Club of Hernando, MS.