Beatrice "Momma Bea" Jenkins

Beatrice "Bea" Jenkins, a cherished matriarch and beacon of love, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024, in South Bend, Indiana, at the age of 86. Born on February 1, 1937, in Denmark, Tennessee, Bea was the daughter of the late Orange and Lenora Snowden. She grew up surrounded by the warmth of a loving family as the youngest of 9 children and carried that love throughout her life.

Bea graduated from JW Riley High School in 1955, and in 1963 she married her beloved husband, Otis Jenkins, who preceded her in death, as did their son, Timothy L. Jenkins in 2021. Bea's spirit of resilience and strength was evident as she lovingly raised her family.

During her years in South Bend, Bea was well-known for her role as a meticulous hotel housekeeper for Holiday Inn, a position she held with pride and diligence. Her work ethic and dedication to her family and profession were admirable and set a positive example for all who knew her.

Bea's passions extended beyond her work to the joys of gardening, canning, and cooking. Her home was often filled with the aromas of her delicious meals and the laughter of family gatherings. Bea's love for Bingo was also well-known, bringing her joy and a sense of community throughout her life.

Those who knew Bea would describe her as generous, passionate, and loving. She had a heart that never seemed to run out of room for those she cared about. Bea's life was a testament to the power of giving, and her legacy is one of compassion and unwavering support for her family and friends.

Bea is survived by her daughters, Cheryl (Lee) Jackson, and Yvonne Snowden; a son, Erskin Jenkins(Stacy), 11 adoring grandchildren, Jared Alexander, Jason Jenkins, Janese Jenkins, Erskin Jenkins, Jerika Henderson, Dr. Latresa D. Jackson, Jessica Hearns, Eric Jenkins, Julian Jackson, Finnest Watford, and Jael Jackson; and 20 great-grandchildren. A great-great-granddaughter, due to arrive next month. (She is preceded in death by her beautiful Great-Granddaughters Sharita Patton-Alexander and Anaya Stewart.)

She is preceded in death by her 3 brothers, Village, Charles, and Jim Snowden, and 3 sisters, Bessie Tyus, Princella Sessom and Sena Bobbitt. 

She leaves behind two dear sisters, Iona Meriwether and Barbara Grimes, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, a loyal dog; "Freeway Jenkins", many special friends, including her very special friend of over 60 years, Johnnie M. Kimmins.

Bea's life was a beautiful tapestry of love, hard work, and generosity. Her unwavering commitment to her family and friends was the cornerstone of her existence. She nurtured her relationships with the same care and attention that she gave to her gardens, and as a result, she cultivated a community of family, church, and friends that thrived on mutual respect and affection.

The void left by Bea's passing is immense, but her legacy will continue to flourish in the lives of those she touched. Her family and friends will always remember her infectious smile, her hearty laughter, and the way she made each person feel like the most important individual in the world.

As Bea Jenkins' life is celebrated, we honor a woman who was not only the heart of her family but also a cherished member of the South East Side community. Her story does not end with her passing but lives on in the memories of those who loved her and the lives she has impacted.

The family of Beatrice Jenkins wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all those who shared in Bea's journey and enriched her life with love and friendship. Her spirit will forever be a guiding light to those she has left behind. Bea's life was a true embodiment of the love she carried within her, and her memory will continue to inspire us all.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.