Addie Colburn

Addie Jean Jenkins Colburn was born October 14, 1954, and departed this life January 21, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS, surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late Roger & Recie Lucille Jenkins.

She was educated in the Amory, MS public school system and graduated from Amory High School in 1972. Following high school, she attended Mississippi Valley State University and later transferred to Mississippi University for Women (MUW) in Columbus, MS, where she received a

bachelor's degree in social work in 1977. While attending MUW she met the love of her life, William Colburn. The couple married on September 1, 1979. Addie was baptized into the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Amory under the leadership of the late Reverend H.M. Moton. She faithfully served there until joining South Ashland Church of Christ in Ashland, MS, where William baptized her before he married her. At South Ashland Addie worked with the youth fellowship group, organizing many out-of-state trips for the youth. She was also an active member of the church's ladies' group and served as its president.

Professionally, Addie spent 38 years with the Lee County Department of Human Services in Tupelo, MS. Starting there as a social worker, she eventually became its first black County Director and was recognized for her exemplary work. Under her leadership and through effective oversight and compliance, Lee County DHS administered $6 million in food stamp benefits and was recognized for its low error rate.

Addie was also an avid sports enthusiast, often rooting for the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs football teams and for Mississippi State University athletics. She could also be found playing her favorite game, Candy Crush or watching her favorite game shows on television.

Addie will forever be loved and missed by her husband, William; her daughter, Mary Jenkins; her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will take place at 1 PM Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at North Green St. Church of Christ in Tupelo, MS with minister Ralph Williams officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Monday, February 2, 2026, at Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo, MS. Graveside will take place following the service at Masonic Cemetery in Amory, MS. Holland Funeral Directors are honored to be serving the friends and family.

Addie was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Recie Jenkins; three

brothers, Curtis Jenkins, Michael Jenkins and Derrick Jenkins; and four sisters,

Bessie Blair, Juliette Smith, Johnnie Goins and Vickie Jenkins.

Pallbearers will be the Elders and Deacons of South Ashland Church of Christ.