Obituary for Derek Jenkins
Derek S. Jenkins was born in Gainesville, Florida, on September 5, 1974, to Charlie S. Jenkins and the late Joseph Jenkins, Jr. He transitioned to his heavenly home for his eternal rest on December 27, 2022.
Derek was born to a military family that traveled to Europe and many other states during his childhood, until they were stationed in Huntsville, Alabama., and made it their home. During his early years, he attended elementary school in Buffalo, New York at Colonial Village School, Lawtey Elementary School in Lawtey, Florida, and Hohenfels Elementary School in Hohenfel’s, Germany. Upon moving to Huntsville, he attended Westlawn Middle School and J. O Johnson High School. During his time at Johnson, he was a member of the football team and high school fraternity, AKΦ. He then studied Industrial Facilities Maintenance at Drake Sate Community College receiving several certifications in the years following high school.
Following his education, Derek worked in maintenance industrial facilities throughout the Huntsville area. He began building and rehabilitating bridge structures which lead to him become the Bridge Inspector for Madison County, the first African- American in Madison County. Bridge inspection has taken Derek to over twenty (20) states across the country inspecting structures for each of the states’ Department of Transportation. Derek excelled in his field and as a Certified Bridge Inspector in over three states and held countless other certifications. He was formerly employed by Madison County Public Works Department, Consor Engineering Firm, and Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church. He also co-owned and operated Undercare Repair along with his best friend, Donnie Terry.
Derek gave his life to Christ at an early age and was a member of Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church. He played a key role in his community, where he spent is free time mentoring at risk youth in Madison County and served as a mentor o the Phoenix Program. Derek’s love for sports inspired his avid support for his son’s athletic passions. He served as a volunteer for the Saints Football Team, Bulldog Baseball Team, and actively participated in his number sporting activities, lessons, and games. He demanded respect for himself from others and believed in demonstrating respect to elders, especially from the youth.
Being a part of a military family, he had an affinity for travel. Derek loved to frequent baches and had a deep love for his country roots in Lawtey, Florida. Derek never met a stranger and greeted all he met with his warm smile and infectious positive energy. Entertainment was the cornerstone of his personality; as shown in his jokes, songs, dances, and laughter. It cannot be stated enough the love of God and family that he possessed. He made service to the church, community, and family his utmost priority and the center of his world. The immeasurable life lessons he shared will be forever ingrained in our memories and his outward demonstration of love is a testament to the size of his heart.
Those left to cherish and reflect on his life and inspirations are his loving mother, Charlie S. Jenkins; his loving and devoted wife: Necia Hood Jenkins; three children: Jamaria and Justin Jenkins, and La’Quasha Jones of Huntsville, Alabama; a loving sibling: Danika (Marvis) Moore of Lebanon, Tennessee; brother: Joseph (Shalonda) Jenkins of Huntsville, Alabama; nieces: Christina and Crystal; nephews: Jaden and Isaiah; aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of family and friends.
He was preceded in Heaven by many loved ones including his Father: Joseph Jenkins, Jr., Grandmother: Essence; Aunt and uncle; Dorothy and Jesse Moore; Brother: Stanley C. Pettus, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and friends.
Our beloved son, son-in-law, husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend will be greatly loved and will be truly missed; our loss is Heaven’s gain.
(Submitted by the family)
Derek was born to a military family that traveled to Europe and many other states during his childhood, until they were stationed in Huntsville, Alabama., and made it their home. During his early years, he attended elementary school in Buffalo, New York at Colonial Village School, Lawtey Elementary School in Lawtey, Florida, and Hohenfels Elementary School in Hohenfel’s, Germany. Upon moving to Huntsville, he attended Westlawn Middle School and J. O Johnson High School. During his time at Johnson, he was a member of the football team and high school fraternity, AKΦ. He then studied Industrial Facilities Maintenance at Drake Sate Community College receiving several certifications in the years following high school.
Following his education, Derek worked in maintenance industrial facilities throughout the Huntsville area. He began building and rehabilitating bridge structures which lead to him become the Bridge Inspector for Madison County, the first African- American in Madison County. Bridge inspection has taken Derek to over twenty (20) states across the country inspecting structures for each of the states’ Department of Transportation. Derek excelled in his field and as a Certified Bridge Inspector in over three states and held countless other certifications. He was formerly employed by Madison County Public Works Department, Consor Engineering Firm, and Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church. He also co-owned and operated Undercare Repair along with his best friend, Donnie Terry.
Derek gave his life to Christ at an early age and was a member of Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church. He played a key role in his community, where he spent is free time mentoring at risk youth in Madison County and served as a mentor o the Phoenix Program. Derek’s love for sports inspired his avid support for his son’s athletic passions. He served as a volunteer for the Saints Football Team, Bulldog Baseball Team, and actively participated in his number sporting activities, lessons, and games. He demanded respect for himself from others and believed in demonstrating respect to elders, especially from the youth.
Being a part of a military family, he had an affinity for travel. Derek loved to frequent baches and had a deep love for his country roots in Lawtey, Florida. Derek never met a stranger and greeted all he met with his warm smile and infectious positive energy. Entertainment was the cornerstone of his personality; as shown in his jokes, songs, dances, and laughter. It cannot be stated enough the love of God and family that he possessed. He made service to the church, community, and family his utmost priority and the center of his world. The immeasurable life lessons he shared will be forever ingrained in our memories and his outward demonstration of love is a testament to the size of his heart.
Those left to cherish and reflect on his life and inspirations are his loving mother, Charlie S. Jenkins; his loving and devoted wife: Necia Hood Jenkins; three children: Jamaria and Justin Jenkins, and La’Quasha Jones of Huntsville, Alabama; a loving sibling: Danika (Marvis) Moore of Lebanon, Tennessee; brother: Joseph (Shalonda) Jenkins of Huntsville, Alabama; nieces: Christina and Crystal; nephews: Jaden and Isaiah; aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of family and friends.
He was preceded in Heaven by many loved ones including his Father: Joseph Jenkins, Jr., Grandmother: Essence; Aunt and uncle; Dorothy and Jesse Moore; Brother: Stanley C. Pettus, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and friends.
Our beloved son, son-in-law, husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend will be greatly loved and will be truly missed; our loss is Heaven’s gain.
(Submitted by the family)