PLEASE NOTE; I 'm still alive as of this writing. This is a pre-need memorial as of; 27 July 2019. MJ
Matthew Grady Jenkins, years of age, passed on at the University of Michigan Medical Center, in Ann Arbor, MIchigan. Matthew was a resident of Canton, Michigan at the time of his passing.
Matthew was born on 26 December 1950 in Trenton, Michigan to the late Herbert Franklin Jenkins and Essie Belle Franklin-Jenkins. He was the youngest of seven children. His siblings were; Nina Margaret Reinhold, Francis Lee Hurst, Bobby Gene Jenkins, Raymond Herbert Jenkins, Shirley Ann Qualls, and Sherry Darlene Loniewski.
He was a 1969 graduate of Fordson High School in Dearborn, Michigan. Matthew was sworn in the U.S. Army at Fort Wayne, in Detroit and began training at Fort Knox, Kentucky in the fall of 1969, he was 18. In the fall of 1970, he received orders for and arrived in Quang-Tri, Phu Bai, Vietnam. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant within 9 months of being in Vietnam. He was awarded a bronze star and purple heart. Like many of his brother soldiers, he was repeatedly tested as a man, but he never retreated, or backed down from a firefight, never! He frequently witnessed unspeakable horror and unimaginable human suffering during his time in Vietnam. His duty in combat had a life changing impact on him for the remainder of his life, because Vietnam never left his psyche. But, he was keenly aware that 58,220 other young men were not as fortunate to live through the nightmare of Vietnam, and return to America alive. He was always thankful and appreciative of the greater sacrifices that so many young soldiers made for our great country. He personally witnessed - up close and personal that "freedom is not free"! He was highly offended by anyone showing disrespect for the United States, or the American Flag! He recalled so many of his friend's caskets draped in the American Flag, at the Danang airfield in Vietnam. He witnessed the great price that was paid for American freedom that is represented by our American Flag. Because he felt it was his duty and obligation, Matthew served honorably in the U.S. Army for six years.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf". George Orwell
Matthew married the true love of his life, Adelle Marie Costa on Sunday, 20 May 1984 at Martha Mary Chapel, Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan. He said that it was the happiest day of his life, because Adelle was his best friend! He often said that "God must surely have loved him a great deal to give him such a sweet woman as, Adelle". His sweetheart, Adelle became terminally ill with ALS at the age of 41, became totally paralyzed and was unable to speak. But, through it all, Matthew remained faithful to her and never waivered in his dedication, devotion and love for her - for nine long years. He said that he would marry her all over again, because she was the greatest gift that God ever gave to him. He had - no regrets, not when it came to his sweetheart, Adelle.
Matthew graduated from William Tyndale College, (magna cum laude), with a bachelor's degree B.A., and he earned his master’s degree, M.A., from Liberty University. He read daily, often while listening to classical music. He possessed a great curiosity and intellect. Matthew's nature was to be gracious and accepting, although he was a recluse. He was a complicated man of many contradictions. He was humble, kind, and appreciative of any kindness shown toward him. He believed that it was better to give than to receive. He was an inventor and was granted a U.S. Patent for a unique and novel invention in 2001. Matthew and his son earned their black belts together in martial arts from Grand Master, BC Yu, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He retired from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), after a lengthy career of helping military veterans. He always believed that his first priority were his veteran clients, and the VA career climbing was always secondary. He preferred making a difference in the lives of veterans to getting accolades, raises and bonuses from VA. "Putting Veterans First" was a printed motto at the VA office, but "Putting Veterans First" was something that Matthew tried to do - every single day while working at VA. He knew what veterans were going through, he deeply felt their pain, he really cared about and honored our veterans. Matthew realized that God had blessed him in countless ways by placing him in a position to help military veterans on a daily basis, and he was thankful.
Matthew received great satisfaction from being his son's soccer coach for many years. Matthew and Adelle teamed up together to support their son in learning, and playing the game of soccer. Matthew was his son's soccer coach from the age of four until he was in his teens. Matthew and his son were more than father and son, they were buddies, whether the time involved soccer or martial arts, they spent many hours of bonding time together. Matthew took great pride in being the best father that a man could possibly be. He gave it everything that he had, and tried to be a positive role model for his son. Matthew was very proud of the man that his son; Matthew Franklin Jenkins turned out to be, his son was a man of strong work ethic and great integrity. Matthew loved being a husband and dad, and he was thankful to the Lord for his wife and son.
After he retired, Matthew continued helping others, especially military veterans. He was a volunteer at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in a program called; No Veteran Dies Alone (NVDA), a hospice program. He was grateful to have the opportunity to sit with dying veterans, so they didn’t die alone. He wouldn't leave a soldier alone on the battlefield in Vietnam, and he didn't want them dying alone here either. He was a volunteer for NVDA for many years, in addition to volunteering with the American Red Cross.
Matthew is survived by his beloved son; Matthew Franklin Jenkins.
He was predeceased by the love of his life; Adelle Marie Costa-Jenkins, who went to heaven too soon in 2010. Matthew and Adelle were married for over 25 years. Adelle's suffering for nine years and her subsequent death broke his heart, and left a huge void in his life. Things of this world grew largely unimportant for him after Adelle's death. Matthew never remarried, his one and only true love was, Adelle. He once said; “the happiest day of his life was the day he married Adelle, and the second happiest is the day he's with her again in heaven”.
Visitation was held on Sunday, March 24, and the Funeral Service was directed at the Michigan Memorial Funeral Home on March 25th, at 11 a.m. The officiant was Pastor Mike Trimble of Kirby Church.
Matthew was taken on his final earthly ride by horse drawn hearse to Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery where he was buried on a hill, next to his sweetheart, Adelle. Interment concluded with Military Honors and the playing of taps. In honor of his military service, the United States burial flag was presented to his son, Matthew Franklin Jenkins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to; Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia, or the ALS Association @www.alsa.org (in Memory of Adelle Jenkins).
“Special thanks to – Jim Qualls, his nephew and friend who introduced him to his sweet, Adelle. Thank you to his dear sister and friend, Shirley Qualls. His friends – Michael & Debra Smith of Texas, his friend, Ms. Jamie McNally, and his loyal and dear son; Matthew Franklin Jenkins”. “His life was greatly enriched because they were a part of it!”
“Most importantly . . . Matthew is eternally grateful to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for dying as his substitute on the cross at Calvary”! Matthew believed that our faith and trust in Christ is the only thing that is eternally guaranteed, and everlasting. He believed that material possessions in this temporal world are meaningless - chasing of the wind. It was his belief that the sacrifice that Jesus provided on the cross - is sufficient to save every person that places their trust in Him. Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory? Buried in the likeness of His death - raised in the likeness of His resurrection! . . . God is Good!
"We give them back to thee, dear Lord, who gavest them to us. Yet as thou didst not lose them in giving, so we have not lost them by their return. What thou gavest thou takest not away, O Lover of souls; for what is thine is ours also if we are thine. And life is eternal and love is immortal, and death is only an horizon, and an horizon is nothing save for the limit of our sight. Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further; cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly; and draw us closer to thyself that we may know ourselves to be nearer to our loved ones who are with thee. And while thou dost prepare for us, prepare us also for that happy place, that where they are and thou art, we too may be for evermore". "No Cross - No Crown"!
William Penn 1644-1718
“Don’t forget me now, hear?”
Matthew Grady Jenkins, years of age, passed on at the University of Michigan Medical Center, in Ann Arbor, MIchigan. Matthew was a resident of Canton, Michigan at the time of his passing.
Matthew was born on 26 December 1950 in Trenton, Michigan to the late Herbert Franklin Jenkins and Essie Belle Franklin-Jenkins. He was the youngest of seven children. His siblings were; Nina Margaret Reinhold, Francis Lee Hurst, Bobby Gene Jenkins, Raymond Herbert Jenkins, Shirley Ann Qualls, and Sherry Darlene Loniewski.
He was a 1969 graduate of Fordson High School in Dearborn, Michigan. Matthew was sworn in the U.S. Army at Fort Wayne, in Detroit and began training at Fort Knox, Kentucky in the fall of 1969, he was 18. In the fall of 1970, he received orders for and arrived in Quang-Tri, Phu Bai, Vietnam. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant within 9 months of being in Vietnam. He was awarded a bronze star and purple heart. Like many of his brother soldiers, he was repeatedly tested as a man, but he never retreated, or backed down from a firefight, never! He frequently witnessed unspeakable horror and unimaginable human suffering during his time in Vietnam. His duty in combat had a life changing impact on him for the remainder of his life, because Vietnam never left his psyche. But, he was keenly aware that 58,220 other young men were not as fortunate to live through the nightmare of Vietnam, and return to America alive. He was always thankful and appreciative of the greater sacrifices that so many young soldiers made for our great country. He personally witnessed - up close and personal that "freedom is not free"! He was highly offended by anyone showing disrespect for the United States, or the American Flag! He recalled so many of his friend's caskets draped in the American Flag, at the Danang airfield in Vietnam. He witnessed the great price that was paid for American freedom that is represented by our American Flag. Because he felt it was his duty and obligation, Matthew served honorably in the U.S. Army for six years.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf". George Orwell
Matthew married the true love of his life, Adelle Marie Costa on Sunday, 20 May 1984 at Martha Mary Chapel, Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan. He said that it was the happiest day of his life, because Adelle was his best friend! He often said that "God must surely have loved him a great deal to give him such a sweet woman as, Adelle". His sweetheart, Adelle became terminally ill with ALS at the age of 41, became totally paralyzed and was unable to speak. But, through it all, Matthew remained faithful to her and never waivered in his dedication, devotion and love for her - for nine long years. He said that he would marry her all over again, because she was the greatest gift that God ever gave to him. He had - no regrets, not when it came to his sweetheart, Adelle.
Matthew graduated from William Tyndale College, (magna cum laude), with a bachelor's degree B.A., and he earned his master’s degree, M.A., from Liberty University. He read daily, often while listening to classical music. He possessed a great curiosity and intellect. Matthew's nature was to be gracious and accepting, although he was a recluse. He was a complicated man of many contradictions. He was humble, kind, and appreciative of any kindness shown toward him. He believed that it was better to give than to receive. He was an inventor and was granted a U.S. Patent for a unique and novel invention in 2001. Matthew and his son earned their black belts together in martial arts from Grand Master, BC Yu, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He retired from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), after a lengthy career of helping military veterans. He always believed that his first priority were his veteran clients, and the VA career climbing was always secondary. He preferred making a difference in the lives of veterans to getting accolades, raises and bonuses from VA. "Putting Veterans First" was a printed motto at the VA office, but "Putting Veterans First" was something that Matthew tried to do - every single day while working at VA. He knew what veterans were going through, he deeply felt their pain, he really cared about and honored our veterans. Matthew realized that God had blessed him in countless ways by placing him in a position to help military veterans on a daily basis, and he was thankful.
Matthew received great satisfaction from being his son's soccer coach for many years. Matthew and Adelle teamed up together to support their son in learning, and playing the game of soccer. Matthew was his son's soccer coach from the age of four until he was in his teens. Matthew and his son were more than father and son, they were buddies, whether the time involved soccer or martial arts, they spent many hours of bonding time together. Matthew took great pride in being the best father that a man could possibly be. He gave it everything that he had, and tried to be a positive role model for his son. Matthew was very proud of the man that his son; Matthew Franklin Jenkins turned out to be, his son was a man of strong work ethic and great integrity. Matthew loved being a husband and dad, and he was thankful to the Lord for his wife and son.
After he retired, Matthew continued helping others, especially military veterans. He was a volunteer at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in a program called; No Veteran Dies Alone (NVDA), a hospice program. He was grateful to have the opportunity to sit with dying veterans, so they didn’t die alone. He wouldn't leave a soldier alone on the battlefield in Vietnam, and he didn't want them dying alone here either. He was a volunteer for NVDA for many years, in addition to volunteering with the American Red Cross.
Matthew is survived by his beloved son; Matthew Franklin Jenkins.
He was predeceased by the love of his life; Adelle Marie Costa-Jenkins, who went to heaven too soon in 2010. Matthew and Adelle were married for over 25 years. Adelle's suffering for nine years and her subsequent death broke his heart, and left a huge void in his life. Things of this world grew largely unimportant for him after Adelle's death. Matthew never remarried, his one and only true love was, Adelle. He once said; “the happiest day of his life was the day he married Adelle, and the second happiest is the day he's with her again in heaven”.
Visitation was held on Sunday, March 24, and the Funeral Service was directed at the Michigan Memorial Funeral Home on March 25th, at 11 a.m. The officiant was Pastor Mike Trimble of Kirby Church.
Matthew was taken on his final earthly ride by horse drawn hearse to Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery where he was buried on a hill, next to his sweetheart, Adelle. Interment concluded with Military Honors and the playing of taps. In honor of his military service, the United States burial flag was presented to his son, Matthew Franklin Jenkins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to; Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia, or the ALS Association @www.alsa.org (in Memory of Adelle Jenkins).
“Special thanks to – Jim Qualls, his nephew and friend who introduced him to his sweet, Adelle. Thank you to his dear sister and friend, Shirley Qualls. His friends – Michael & Debra Smith of Texas, his friend, Ms. Jamie McNally, and his loyal and dear son; Matthew Franklin Jenkins”. “His life was greatly enriched because they were a part of it!”
“Most importantly . . . Matthew is eternally grateful to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for dying as his substitute on the cross at Calvary”! Matthew believed that our faith and trust in Christ is the only thing that is eternally guaranteed, and everlasting. He believed that material possessions in this temporal world are meaningless - chasing of the wind. It was his belief that the sacrifice that Jesus provided on the cross - is sufficient to save every person that places their trust in Him. Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory? Buried in the likeness of His death - raised in the likeness of His resurrection! . . . God is Good!
"We give them back to thee, dear Lord, who gavest them to us. Yet as thou didst not lose them in giving, so we have not lost them by their return. What thou gavest thou takest not away, O Lover of souls; for what is thine is ours also if we are thine. And life is eternal and love is immortal, and death is only an horizon, and an horizon is nothing save for the limit of our sight. Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further; cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly; and draw us closer to thyself that we may know ourselves to be nearer to our loved ones who are with thee. And while thou dost prepare for us, prepare us also for that happy place, that where they are and thou art, we too may be for evermore". "No Cross - No Crown"!
William Penn 1644-1718
“Don’t forget me now, hear?”
PLEASE NOTE; I 'm still alive as of this writing. This is a pre-need memorial as of; 27 July 2019. MJ
Matthew Grady Jenkins, years of age, passed on at the University of Michigan Medical Center, in Ann Arbor, MIchigan. Matthew was a resident of Canton, Michigan at the time of his passing.
Matthew was born on 26 December 1950 in Trenton, Michigan to the late Herbert Franklin Jenkins and Essie Belle Franklin-Jenkins. He was the youngest of seven children. His siblings were; Nina Margaret Reinhold, Francis Lee Hurst, Bobby Gene Jenkins, Raymond Herbert Jenkins, Shirley Ann Qualls, and Sherry Darlene Loniewski.
He was a 1969 graduate of Fordson High School in Dearborn, Michigan. Matthew was sworn in the U.S. Army at Fort Wayne, in Detroit and began training at Fort Knox, Kentucky in the fall of 1969, he was 18. In the fall of 1970, he received orders for and arrived in Quang-Tri, Phu Bai, Vietnam. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant within 9 months of being in Vietnam. He was awarded a bronze star and purple heart. Like many of his brother soldiers, he was repeatedly tested as a man, but he never retreated, or backed down from a firefight, never! He frequently witnessed unspeakable horror and unimaginable human suffering during his time in Vietnam. His duty in combat had a life changing impact on him for the remainder of his life, because Vietnam never left his psyche. But, he was keenly aware that 58,220 other young men were not as fortunate to live through the nightmare of Vietnam, and return to America alive. He was always thankful and appreciative of the greater sacrifices that so many young soldiers made for our great country. He personally witnessed - up close and personal that "freedom is not free"! He was highly offended by anyone showing disrespect for the United States, or the American Flag! He recalled so many of his friend's caskets draped in the American Flag, at the Danang airfield in Vietnam. He witnessed the great price that was paid for American freedom that is represented by our American Flag. Because he felt it was his duty and obligation, Matthew served honorably in the U.S. Army for six years.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf". George Orwell
Matthew married the true love of his life, Adelle Marie Costa on Sunday, 20 May 1984 at Martha Mary Chapel, Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan. He said that it was the happiest day of his life, because Adelle was his best friend! He often said that "God must surely have loved him a great deal to give him such a sweet woman as, Adelle". His sweetheart, Adelle became terminally ill with ALS at the age of 41, became totally paralyzed and was unable to speak. But, through it all, Matthew remained faithful to her and never waivered in his dedication, devotion and love for her - for nine long years. He said that he would marry her all over again, because she was the greatest gift that God ever gave to him. He had - no regrets, not when it came to his sweetheart, Adelle.
Matthew graduated from William Tyndale College, (magna cum laude), with a bachelor's degree B.A., and he earned his master’s degree, M.A., from Liberty University. He read daily, often while listening to classical music. He possessed a great curiosity and intellect. Matthew's nature was to be gracious and accepting, although he was a recluse. He was a complicated man of many contradictions. He was humble, kind, and appreciative of any kindness shown toward him. He believed that it was better to give than to receive. He was an inventor and was granted a U.S. Patent for a unique and novel invention in 2001. Matthew and his son earned their black belts together in martial arts from Grand Master, BC Yu, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He retired from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), after a lengthy career of helping military veterans. He always believed that his first priority were his veteran clients, and the VA career climbing was always secondary. He preferred making a difference in the lives of veterans to getting accolades, raises and bonuses from VA. "Putting Veterans First" was a printed motto at the VA office, but "Putting Veterans First" was something that Matthew tried to do - every single day while working at VA. He knew what veterans were going through, he deeply felt their pain, he really cared about and honored our veterans. Matthew realized that God had blessed him in countless ways by placing him in a position to help military veterans on a daily basis, and he was thankful.
Matthew received great satisfaction from being his son's soccer coach for many years. Matthew and Adelle teamed up together to support their son in learning, and playing the game of soccer. Matthew was his son's soccer coach from the age of four until he was in his teens. Matthew and his son were more than father and son, they were buddies, whether the time involved soccer or martial arts, they spent many hours of bonding time together. Matthew took great pride in being the best father that a man could possibly be. He gave it everything that he had, and tried to be a positive role model for his son. Matthew was very proud of the man that his son; Matthew Franklin Jenkins turned out to be, his son was a man of strong work ethic and great integrity. Matthew loved being a husband and dad, and he was thankful to the Lord for his wife and son.
After he retired, Matthew continued helping others, especially military veterans. He was a volunteer at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in a program called; No Veteran Dies Alone (NVDA), a hospice program. He was grateful to have the opportunity to sit with dying veterans, so they didn’t die alone. He wouldn't leave a soldier alone on the battlefield in Vietnam, and he didn't want them dying alone here either. He was a volunteer for NVDA for many years, in addition to volunteering with the American Red Cross.
Matthew is survived by his beloved son; Matthew Franklin Jenkins.
He was predeceased by the love of his life; Adelle Marie Costa-Jenkins, who went to heaven too soon in 2010. Matthew and Adelle were married for over 25 years. Adelle's suffering for nine years and her subsequent death broke his heart, and left a huge void in his life. Things of this world grew largely unimportant for him after Adelle's death. Matthew never remarried, his one and only true love was, Adelle. He once said; “the happiest day of his life was the day he married Adelle, and the second happiest is the day he's with her again in heaven”.
Visitation was held on Sunday, March 24, and the Funeral Service was directed at the Michigan Memorial Funeral Home on March 25th, at 11 a.m. The officiant was Pastor Mike Trimble of Kirby Church.
Matthew was taken on his final earthly ride by horse drawn hearse to Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery where he was buried on a hill, next to his sweetheart, Adelle. Interment concluded with Military Honors and the playing of taps. In honor of his military service, the United States burial flag was presented to his son, Matthew Franklin Jenkins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to; Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia, or the ALS Association @www.alsa.org (in Memory of Adelle Jenkins).
“Special thanks to – Jim Qualls, his nephew and friend who introduced him to his sweet, Adelle. Thank you to his dear sister and friend, Shirley Qualls. His friends – Michael & Debra Smith of Texas, his friend, Ms. Jamie McNally, and his loyal and dear son; Matthew Franklin Jenkins”. “His life was greatly enriched because they were a part of it!”
“Most importantly . . . Matthew is eternally grateful to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for dying as his substitute on the cross at Calvary”! Matthew believed that our faith and trust in Christ is the only thing that is eternally guaranteed, and everlasting. He believed that material possessions in this temporal world are meaningless - chasing of the wind. It was his belief that the sacrifice that Jesus provided on the cross - is sufficient to save every person that places their trust in Him. Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory? Buried in the likeness of His death - raised in the likeness of His resurrection! . . . God is Good!
"We give them back to thee, dear Lord, who gavest them to us. Yet as thou didst not lose them in giving, so we have not lost them by their return. What thou gavest thou takest not away, O Lover of souls; for what is thine is ours also if we are thine. And life is eternal and love is immortal, and death is only an horizon, and an horizon is nothing save for the limit of our sight. Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further; cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly; and draw us closer to thyself that we may know ourselves to be nearer to our loved ones who are with thee. And while thou dost prepare for us, prepare us also for that happy place, that where they are and thou art, we too may be for evermore". "No Cross - No Crown"!
William Penn 1644-1718
“Don’t forget me now, hear?”
Matthew Grady Jenkins, years of age, passed on at the University of Michigan Medical Center, in Ann Arbor, MIchigan. Matthew was a resident of Canton, Michigan at the time of his passing.
Matthew was born on 26 December 1950 in Trenton, Michigan to the late Herbert Franklin Jenkins and Essie Belle Franklin-Jenkins. He was the youngest of seven children. His siblings were; Nina Margaret Reinhold, Francis Lee Hurst, Bobby Gene Jenkins, Raymond Herbert Jenkins, Shirley Ann Qualls, and Sherry Darlene Loniewski.
He was a 1969 graduate of Fordson High School in Dearborn, Michigan. Matthew was sworn in the U.S. Army at Fort Wayne, in Detroit and began training at Fort Knox, Kentucky in the fall of 1969, he was 18. In the fall of 1970, he received orders for and arrived in Quang-Tri, Phu Bai, Vietnam. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant within 9 months of being in Vietnam. He was awarded a bronze star and purple heart. Like many of his brother soldiers, he was repeatedly tested as a man, but he never retreated, or backed down from a firefight, never! He frequently witnessed unspeakable horror and unimaginable human suffering during his time in Vietnam. His duty in combat had a life changing impact on him for the remainder of his life, because Vietnam never left his psyche. But, he was keenly aware that 58,220 other young men were not as fortunate to live through the nightmare of Vietnam, and return to America alive. He was always thankful and appreciative of the greater sacrifices that so many young soldiers made for our great country. He personally witnessed - up close and personal that "freedom is not free"! He was highly offended by anyone showing disrespect for the United States, or the American Flag! He recalled so many of his friend's caskets draped in the American Flag, at the Danang airfield in Vietnam. He witnessed the great price that was paid for American freedom that is represented by our American Flag. Because he felt it was his duty and obligation, Matthew served honorably in the U.S. Army for six years.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf". George Orwell
Matthew married the true love of his life, Adelle Marie Costa on Sunday, 20 May 1984 at Martha Mary Chapel, Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan. He said that it was the happiest day of his life, because Adelle was his best friend! He often said that "God must surely have loved him a great deal to give him such a sweet woman as, Adelle". His sweetheart, Adelle became terminally ill with ALS at the age of 41, became totally paralyzed and was unable to speak. But, through it all, Matthew remained faithful to her and never waivered in his dedication, devotion and love for her - for nine long years. He said that he would marry her all over again, because she was the greatest gift that God ever gave to him. He had - no regrets, not when it came to his sweetheart, Adelle.
Matthew graduated from William Tyndale College, (magna cum laude), with a bachelor's degree B.A., and he earned his master’s degree, M.A., from Liberty University. He read daily, often while listening to classical music. He possessed a great curiosity and intellect. Matthew's nature was to be gracious and accepting, although he was a recluse. He was a complicated man of many contradictions. He was humble, kind, and appreciative of any kindness shown toward him. He believed that it was better to give than to receive. He was an inventor and was granted a U.S. Patent for a unique and novel invention in 2001. Matthew and his son earned their black belts together in martial arts from Grand Master, BC Yu, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He retired from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), after a lengthy career of helping military veterans. He always believed that his first priority were his veteran clients, and the VA career climbing was always secondary. He preferred making a difference in the lives of veterans to getting accolades, raises and bonuses from VA. "Putting Veterans First" was a printed motto at the VA office, but "Putting Veterans First" was something that Matthew tried to do - every single day while working at VA. He knew what veterans were going through, he deeply felt their pain, he really cared about and honored our veterans. Matthew realized that God had blessed him in countless ways by placing him in a position to help military veterans on a daily basis, and he was thankful.
Matthew received great satisfaction from being his son's soccer coach for many years. Matthew and Adelle teamed up together to support their son in learning, and playing the game of soccer. Matthew was his son's soccer coach from the age of four until he was in his teens. Matthew and his son were more than father and son, they were buddies, whether the time involved soccer or martial arts, they spent many hours of bonding time together. Matthew took great pride in being the best father that a man could possibly be. He gave it everything that he had, and tried to be a positive role model for his son. Matthew was very proud of the man that his son; Matthew Franklin Jenkins turned out to be, his son was a man of strong work ethic and great integrity. Matthew loved being a husband and dad, and he was thankful to the Lord for his wife and son.
After he retired, Matthew continued helping others, especially military veterans. He was a volunteer at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in a program called; No Veteran Dies Alone (NVDA), a hospice program. He was grateful to have the opportunity to sit with dying veterans, so they didn’t die alone. He wouldn't leave a soldier alone on the battlefield in Vietnam, and he didn't want them dying alone here either. He was a volunteer for NVDA for many years, in addition to volunteering with the American Red Cross.
Matthew is survived by his beloved son; Matthew Franklin Jenkins.
He was predeceased by the love of his life; Adelle Marie Costa-Jenkins, who went to heaven too soon in 2010. Matthew and Adelle were married for over 25 years. Adelle's suffering for nine years and her subsequent death broke his heart, and left a huge void in his life. Things of this world grew largely unimportant for him after Adelle's death. Matthew never remarried, his one and only true love was, Adelle. He once said; “the happiest day of his life was the day he married Adelle, and the second happiest is the day he's with her again in heaven”.
Visitation was held on Sunday, March 24, and the Funeral Service was directed at the Michigan Memorial Funeral Home on March 25th, at 11 a.m. The officiant was Pastor Mike Trimble of Kirby Church.
Matthew was taken on his final earthly ride by horse drawn hearse to Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery where he was buried on a hill, next to his sweetheart, Adelle. Interment concluded with Military Honors and the playing of taps. In honor of his military service, the United States burial flag was presented to his son, Matthew Franklin Jenkins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to; Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia, or the ALS Association @www.alsa.org (in Memory of Adelle Jenkins).
“Special thanks to – Jim Qualls, his nephew and friend who introduced him to his sweet, Adelle. Thank you to his dear sister and friend, Shirley Qualls. His friends – Michael & Debra Smith of Texas, his friend, Ms. Jamie McNally, and his loyal and dear son; Matthew Franklin Jenkins”. “His life was greatly enriched because they were a part of it!”
“Most importantly . . . Matthew is eternally grateful to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for dying as his substitute on the cross at Calvary”! Matthew believed that our faith and trust in Christ is the only thing that is eternally guaranteed, and everlasting. He believed that material possessions in this temporal world are meaningless - chasing of the wind. It was his belief that the sacrifice that Jesus provided on the cross - is sufficient to save every person that places their trust in Him. Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory? Buried in the likeness of His death - raised in the likeness of His resurrection! . . . God is Good!
"We give them back to thee, dear Lord, who gavest them to us. Yet as thou didst not lose them in giving, so we have not lost them by their return. What thou gavest thou takest not away, O Lover of souls; for what is thine is ours also if we are thine. And life is eternal and love is immortal, and death is only an horizon, and an horizon is nothing save for the limit of our sight. Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further; cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly; and draw us closer to thyself that we may know ourselves to be nearer to our loved ones who are with thee. And while thou dost prepare for us, prepare us also for that happy place, that where they are and thou art, we too may be for evermore". "No Cross - No Crown"!
William Penn 1644-1718
“Don’t forget me now, hear?”
Inscription
I thank God upon every remembrance of you! Philippians 1 v 3
Gravesite Details
The gravesites are located in the Garden of the Eternal Flame section - on a Hill at Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery, Flat Rock, Michigan.
