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Clara Jenkins Obituary
Clara Ann Jenkins
November 10, 1935 - December 18, 2023
Clara Ann Jenkins, 88, long-time Rock Island resident and educator, died December 18, 2023, after a long illness in Indianapolis, IN.
Funeral services for Mrs. Jenkins will be held at Second Baptist Church in Rock Island on December 27, 2023. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the church and the funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be in the National Cemetery, Arsenal Island.
Born Clara Ann Williams in Hannibal, MO on November 10, 1935, the daughter of the late Claretta Doolin Howard. The family migrated to the Quad Cities in the early 1940s. She attended Rock Island Public Schools and graduated from Rock Island High School. Clara received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education degrees from Illinois State University and her Education Specialist degree from Western Illinois University.
Clara married Curtis Jenkins Sr, in December 1959. He preceded her in death in 1992.
In 1960, Clara began teaching in Rock Island becoming one of the districts first Black teachers. She taught in the RI//Milan school district until retiring in 2010.
Clara was active in numerous community and social organizations including Adah Chapter #10 Order of the Eastern Stars, Tri-Cities Assembly #53 Order of the Golden Circle, Masqat Court #167 Daughters of Isis and her beloved Second Baptist Church, Rock Island.
Clara enjoyed family, friends, bowling, the Rocks, walks at Sunset Marina, and the casinos.
Cherishing her memory forever are her son, Curtis M. Jenkins (Anita), Naperville, IL; daughters: Denise L. Jenkins-Williams (Norris) Indianapolis, IN, Jimmie Sue Jenkins-Wade Warren, AR; bonus daughters: Donna Stoner, Carolyn Harris, and Regina Williams; seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. "Forever Friends:" Marlene Bland, Ida Robinson, Val Carroll and Margret Woods.
Online condolences may be shared at www.wheelanpressly.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clara Jenkins
4 Entries
Marsha Barber Jones
December 27, 2023
I leave this memory: Ms. Jenkins had all rights and privileges, as if she were my mother, given to her by my mother, Lee Barber! Back in the day, my parents' friends were so close to each other they had authority over us for shelter, protection, food, shielding from boys harassing and chasing me home. Ms. Clara Ann could discipline, as well as, advocate on my behalf in any given situation. When she saw me out in the community, I had to look right, dress right, act right, speak right in her presence or I knew she'd have something to say! She would remind me, "you know your mother gave me permission to watch over you and I intend to do just that! Ms. Clara Ann was close to my mom and protective of me, in the community, and especially in the school setting. Thank you Denise and Curtis for returning Ms. Jenkins back to Rock Island allowing me the opportunity to pay my respects. My condolence to the family. Marsha Barber-Jones
Belinda Morrison
December 26, 2023
My Condolences to the family
Nancy Kiefer
December 25, 2023
I have thought about Mrs. Jenkins a lot over these years. She helped me so many times by teaching me to be kinder and to respect myself and empathize with others. Her voice, directness, and sense of humor helped me grow up. Thank-you, Mrs. Jenkins, rest in peace.
Diane Miller Richardson
December 24, 2023
Mrs. Jenkins was the girls counselor at Central Jr. High in Rock Island, IL. She was a wonderful and compassionate person. I really loved her and how she felt that everything was fixable and 'no' was not acceptable.
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