Rev. Jesse David Jenkins

Rev. Jesse David Jenkins was born on March 17, 1932 in Cleveland, Georgia to the late William Leonard and Lessie Mae Dorsey Jenkins.   In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his first wife of 40 years and mother of his beloved children, Beulah Mae McCrary; son, Joel David; step-mother, Helen Haywood Jenkins; brothers Alfonzo Jenkins and Rev. Billy Joe Jenkins, Sr.; sister, Mary Sue Mull; Hazel Whelchel, second wife of 15 years.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and very devoted daughter, Cassandra Lynn Jenkins of Gainesville, GA.  Sister-in-law, Betty Jenkins, Sautee, GA; nephews, Melvin Allen, Flint, Michigan, Rev. Billy J. Jenkins Jr., Cornelia, GA, Timmy Jenkins, Cleveland, GA., Rev. James Jenkins, Sautee, GA.; niece, Patricia Allen, Nashville, TN.; Very Special Friend, Hattie Primer; Godson, Saul Hernandez; Goddaughters, Mary Brewster and Evangelist Mary Mangum, a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Rev. Jesse Jenkins served his country honorably in the US Army in the Korean War.  Throughout his life he held numerous positions, worked several jobs and participated in various community affairs.  His love for community activism led him to write many editorials in the community and opinion pages of the Gainesville Times.

After being a business student at Clark College in Atlanta, Ga his professional and business career had a span of sixty plus years. Beginning in the seventies Rev. Jenkins was owner of Jesse Jenkins Enterprises. Prior to being a licensed contractor, he worked independently in the capacities of electrician and plumber.  During this time he was also employed by the Hall County School System as a bus driver. Other places of occupation included First National Bank and New Holland Mill.

He was ordained into the Christian ministry under Rev. Billy Joe Jenkins, pastor at that time of Mount Pleasant Church, Hollywood, GA.  For several months he served as assistant pastor and officiated for Rev. Billy Jenkins as he assisted another church in South Carolina.  He further extended his ministry through jobs he held as driver for Encore Transportation and B&V Transport.  While transporting patients to and from medical facilities he shared the gospel and spread tidings of God’s grace. He started a weekly Bible Study at Myrtle Terraces. Later he would connect and become a member of the pastoral team of Saint John Baptist Church where he wasan active member until his health failed.

The staff and residents of Ashton Senior Living, where he last resided, loved him and enjoyed his company and words of wisdom.  He will forever be remembered and loved, particularly as a doting father by Cassandra who remained by his side throughout his illness and yet remembers his famous quote to her as she left him each time throughout their lives, “Call me if you need me.”

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at St. John Baptist Church, 741 E.E. Butler Parkway, Gainesville, GA 30501 at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 21, 2019 at St. John Baptist Church between the hours of 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.