Herman Benjamin Jenkins was born March 20, 1929, Died May 18, 1999, Loved his Lord and his family. He left a positive mark on society.

Written from the perspective of his brother Milton L. Jenkins, May 20, 1999.

Born to Robert Benjamin and Frances La Vesta Jenkins. Born along with his twin sister Helen Jenkins Burkes.
Born near the great depression. The Stock Market crashed Oct 1929 and by May 1932 there were 12 million people in this country without jobs. Farming was the major industry in Mississippi-Cotton was king.

He married Zelda May Eakes September 30, 1950, in Dekalb, Mississippi. Zelda is affectionately knows as Boots from Sorghum Branch. At the time of Herman's death, after a long bout with cancer, he and Zelda had been married 49 years.

Daughter: Norma Faye Jenkins Blair, borne Jan 2, 1954. Died March 7, 1999, Husband Luther, Sons, Charles Lee, Scott, and Jason. Norma was a loving wife to her husband, Luther Charles and mother to her three sons.

Son. Homer Lee Jenkins, born August 18, 1955. Married to Marlys Jean Splitter, Stearling, Kansas. They have a lovely daughter, Amy Jo. Homer is an industrial engineer and Marlys is a special education school teacher.

Herman's daddy died a young death (38 years old) August 1944 when Herman was only 15 years old. Over night he became the a leader for our family: Mother was 37 years old and 5 months pregnant with our baby sister Judy Jeanette Jenkins Pullin, Helen 15, Robert Holly 13, Milton and Mildred 8, Charles 5, Judy, was born 4 months later.

August 1944, when our father died, a very arduous, but rewarding life began for Herman Jenkins

At 15 years old, he had to go to school and work to help support our family, but that was no problem for him.

Farm work-He operated a farm tractor cultivating land for hire.

Logger-He sawed logs with a crosscut saw-there were no power saws then.

Soldier-Fought along with his brother Holly in the Korean War. Served in the Mississippi National Guard for 43 years retiring in the grade of Master Sergeant was promoted to Sergeant Major at time of retirement.

Retired from Glove Factory where he formed gloves and repaired machinery.

I (from this point on "I" refers to Milton L. Jenkins) talked with Herman and Mildred March 16, 1999, when Herman was in the Hospital undergoing cancer treatment and I asked him a lot about our family. He was a great source of Information. One of my sons, Dr. (Lt. Col.) David M. Jenkins said it best in and E-mail from England where he is serving with the United States Air Force "He's a great man. I'll never forget his sense of humor, sharp wit and candor."

I asked Mildred what she remembers most about something Herman did for her: She said he sawed logs and gave me money to get my straight hair curled-a permanent. She was 12 and it was her first hair do.

When I was 12, he bought me a bicycle. It was my first bicycle and I was so proud of it.

I asked Herman if he had to pick out one thing he remembers most about doing for his twin sister, Helen. He said I bought her a dress and a pair blue suede shoes and some true story magazines. Helen loved to read.

I asked Herman the same question about Holly. He said I Let Holly use my car to go to Louisiana to kidnap his wife, Zola. Holly and Zola have been married for 45 years. Incidentally, I aided in that kidnapping.

I asked Herman the same question about Charles: He said at one time Charles was questioning whether he should remain in high school and finish. He said I saw to it that he did stay and graduate and I bought his class ring

I asked Herman the same question about Judy: He said affectionately, I helped spoil her when she was a baby, and I also bought her class ring.

Even after he was married, he still looked after his brothers and sisters-providing support and counseling when needed.

One day when I was visiting him, he bowed out his chest and bragged on himself, and rightfully so, about what a good job he did in keeping his brothers and sisters together after our father died. He counted the children of his and his brothers and sisters and enumerated their success: He said we have 2 school teachers, 2 technicians, 3 engineers, and 2 nurses, and 2 doctors. He was proud.



May 19, 1999 From Herman's Nephew Mike

I will miss Uncle Herman. He could always make you laugh for real and could rattle the most secure walls with his snores. He was always fun to hang out with and had many stories to tell. I confess it was he who kicked, moaned and groaned, and sucked tit when sleeping. I would know this because Dad and David always managed to take up all the other bed spaces and leave me to sleep with him on the fold out couch. He would always offer a dip of snuff and make sure that boots would get you something to eat. He will be missed.

Mike

May 19, 1999 From Herman's Nephew David

I will miss Uncle Herman. He's a great man. I'll never forget his great sense of humor, sharp wit, and candor. He's with Norma in a better place now. David


May 19, 1999 From Herman's Niece Sheila

Thanks for the message and call (about Uncle Herman's death). I feel so sad for Boots. Is she doing alright? Is there anything I can do to help? Let me know about the arrangements.

Love you, Sheila

May 24, 1999

Thanks for sending this to me Daddy. It's so good to hear more about your family and so amazing how close and supportive you all were. Herman was such a kindhearted person and so incredibly mature at such a young age. We are so lucky to have such a united, close family. This is rare. I'm so lucky to have such great role models for unconditional love and support.

Hope to see you soon.

Love, Sheila