Roberta Jenkins

Roberta’s Life Journey…. June 17, 1941 marked the beginning of Roberta Jenkins' life journey, one that would be defined by her unwavering dedication to serving God, others and uplifting communities through her powerful voice. From the public schools of Dickinson, TX to graduation from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in 1959, Roberta demonstrated a commitment to learning. She further enriched her education at Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, Texas obtaining her Bachelor’s degree and, obtaining a Master's degree in Math and Science from Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas, that would fuel her personal and professional growth. Roberta's life was forever transformed when she accepted Christ at a tender age, uniting with Mount Olive Baptist Church in Dickinson, TX, and being baptized. Her faithfulness resonated through choir singing and selfless service in numerous church ministries. Alongside her mother, she later joined New Macedonia Baptist Church in Hitchcock, continuing to radiate devotion. As a shining member of the Music Department, church pianist, Mission member, and Youth Department, Roberta's spirit shone brightly until health challenges arose. Her voice, a blessing from above, filled the air with worship on Sunday mornings and during special church events, touching lives. She served in the Southwest Central Missionary Baptist District Association Music Department as musician and soloist. Roberta’s community involvement includes being inducted into the Galveston County Sacred Music Hall of Fame; former member of the Heroines of Jericho and working with various community organizations. With dedication and passion, Roberta served at UTMB Health Sciences in Houston, advancing life-changing Stem Cell Research and teaching at the UTMB School of Dentistry until her retirement. In a beautiful celebration of love, she married her soulmate, Otis Jenkins, on February 17, 1964, and their union was blessed with a precious son, Otis Jenkins, Jr., and remained unwavering until his passing on January 23, 2016. Roberta embodied the spirit of Christianity, radiating kindness and sincerity in every word she spoke. Her unwavering determination to dedicate her life to the Lord's service inspired all who knew her, and her beautiful, melodious voice blessed others through timeless renditions of songs like “Precious Lord”, “I Made It”, “My Soul's Been Anchored”, “Thank You Lord”, “I Know Something About God's Grace” and numerous others. With divine love, on October 6, 2024, Roberta's spirit was gently guided to eternal rest by God's loving hand, where she now joins the Heavenly Choir in glorious song. She was preceded in death by her mother, Audrey DeRouen Dixon; her husband, Otis Jenkins Sr.; son, Otis Jenkins, Jr.; sisters, Elvina Thompson and Alice Jones; brother, Lorenzo Miles; and godparents, Sylvester and Maudry Ball. Left to cherish the memories of her remarkable journey are her devoted and loving granddaughter, Ashley Jenkins; sisters, Georgia Marie Huff, Audrey Dixon Campbell, and Alberta Warren Powell; her extended family, the Jenkins family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her New Macedonia Church Family, who have all been touched by her love and legacy.

Tributes

Roberta Jenkins

October 6, 2024