Celebrating the Life of Minister Linda F. Jenkins

Minister Linda F. Jenkins was a loving and caring woman whose life was deeply rooted in family, faith, and service to God.

Linda was born to the late LD and Ethel Ward in Laurel Mississippi. The family moved to Gary Indiana while she was young and grew up surrounded by family. Throughout her life, family remained important to her, and that love would eventually extend across generations through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Linda met and married Jerry J. Jenkins, and together they continued building a family that would become one of the greatest parts of her legacy.

A Woman of Faith

At the center of Linda's life was her relationship with God. She gave her life to Christ and developed a deep commitment to serving the Lord and sharing His Word with others. Her faith was not something she simply professed—it was something she lived.

Linda became an ordained minister at First Born Apostolic Faith Church of God, where she faithfully served in several areas of ministry. She taught Sunday School and Bible Study and served on the Mission Board. Whether teaching the Word, encouraging someone in their faith, or simply offering one of her familiar expressions of praise, Linda loved the Lord.

Those who knew her could often hear her say, "Oh, praise the Lord!" or "Thank you, Holy Spirit." These weren't simply sayings; they reflected a faith that had become woven into the fabric of her everyday life.

The Linda We Knew

Linda also knew how to enjoy the simple things.

She loved spending time with her children, especially gathering around the table to play board games. From an early age, one of Linda's favorite pastimes was watching television. And if she wasn't at church, studying the Word, spending time with family, or serving the Lord, there was a good chance she was somewhere enjoying one of her shows.

She especially loved K-Dramas and Godzilla. Those who knew Linda knew that when she found a show she enjoyed, she could settle in and watch to her heart's content.

These everyday things mattered because they were part of what made Linda Linda—a woman of faith who could teach Bible Study and serve the church, then go home and get completely caught up in a K-Drama or Godzilla movie.

Her life was filled with family, ministry, familiar routines, and a steadfast love for God.

Her Legacy

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, LD and Ethel Ward; grandparents, Ethel and Della Rayburn; aunt, Fannie Mae Oliver; sisters, Lee Girtha Ward, Irma Jean Ward, and Mary Alice Townsell; brother, Everett Daniels; daughters, Tara Daniels and Lakisha Kaday; and grandson, Montrell Daniels.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Carla Daniels and Bridgette Daniels, and son, Jerry Jenkins, Jr.

Her legacy continues through her 18 grandchildren: Bradlee Washington, Brittanee Daniels, Eric Daniels, Aaron Hunt, Darren Hunt, Sierra Daniels, Tanzania Daniels, Daryl Daniels, Brandon Scott, Aaliyah Carr, Shante Baldwin, Tanisha Irby, Tyrell Husband, Scott Kaday, Jr., Krislin Kaday, Kierra Kaday, Sebastian Kaday, and Gierra Jenkins.

She also leaves her beloved great-grandchildren: Bradlee Washington II, Xalea Scott, Jasean, Amya, Shadaja, Kha'li, Lola, Zayda, Yasmyn, Willie Daniels, Arianna Hunt, Xaevier Hunt, Tyler, Tatum, Brynleigh, Brayleigh, and Brianne Daniels, D’Ori, Destiny, and Daliah Irby.

Linda also leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Betty Ann Townson, Bobbie Ann Harrell, Joyce Ann Williams, Patricia (Virgil) Williams, and Rose (Tommy) Arnold; brothers, Sherman (Dorothy) Daniels, Donald Daniels, Ulimwengu Okera, and James (Yasmine) Caradine; and sister-in-law, Margie (Greg) Carter.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved godsons, Jauzne (Kaleta) Wayne, Davon (Tina) Selby, Bruce (Joyce) Wayne Sr., Bruce Wayne Jr., and Dorrell (Honey) McLaurin.

She leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends who will remember her with love.Linda spent much of her life praising God, teaching His Word, loving her family, and reminding those around her where her faith rested.

So while her earthly voice has grown quiet, those who knew her can almost hear her saying it one more time:

"Oh, praise the Lord."

And perhaps, having completed her earthly journey, the words that she spoke so many times seem especially fitting now:

"Thank you, Holy Spirit."

Minister Linda F. Jenkins will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of the generations she leaves behind.