Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

"With long life will I satisfy him and shew him my salvation." Psalms 91:16 (KJV)

Monroe LA - Born in Sicily Island, LA, on November 6,1920, to the late Wellington, Sr. and Laura Henderson Jenkins, Woodrow transitioned to his Heavenly Home on Saturday April 10, 2021. He was introduced to Jesus Christ at an early age. As a lad, he joined the Leland Baptist Church in Sicily Island LA, where he remained a disciple until he relocated to Monroe LA. Woodrow began his formal education in elementary school and proceeded through his secondary years where he graduated from Rosenwald High School in Sicily Island. Following graduation, he later joined the U.S. Army where he courageously served for 3 years during World War II as a member of the 923rd Engineer Aviation Regiment, a special unit designed to work in conjunction with the U.S. Air Force. In this assignment, he participated in and conducted surveillance missions throughout England, France and Germany. At the close of the war, Woodrow returned to the United States where he pursued an education at Tuskegee University (formerly Tuskegee Institute). He graduated in 1949 with a major in Building Construction. Following graduation, he relocated to Monroe, LA, where he established and operated his own Building Construction business for more than 60 years. Woodrow was a deeply spiritual and religious person who loved to read, teach and discuss The Holy Bible. While a resident of Monroe, he later became a disciple of the Liberty Hill Baptist Church during the mid-1950s and remained there throughout his life. There he faithfully served for more than 50 years as a Deacon and as the Sunday School Superintendent. A good and faithful servant, he willingly and generously gave of his time, service and finances toward the advancement of the church and God's kingdom. God's blessings continued to shower Woodrow when he married the love of his life -- Rosa Lee Watson of Peck, LA -- on March 10, 1949. Rosa Lee was a successful Cosmetologist who owned and operated her own business -- Rosa's Beauty Shop -- for decades. Woodrow and Rosa Lee were graced with a special bond: an exemplary 54-year marriage that stood the test of time! To this union, 4 daughters were born: Freda and Debra -- Monroe LA; Vanessa Houston, TX; and Zeretha New York, NY. A huge sports fan, Woodrow loved basketball, baseball and football -- all favorites of his! He and Rosa Lee were both members of their respective basketball teams at Rosenwald High School (Sicily Island) where they attended as youths. If professional wrestling was his #2 favorite sport, then -- hands down -- hunting was his #1! He was first introduced to the sport of hunting by his father and thoroughly enjoyed hunting with him for many years! Some of his trademark features were his ability to stay upbeat and positive. His signature smile and good cheer radiated from the inside out and helped to shine an even greater light on his genuine compassion for and willingness to help others. A very generous person, Woodrow believed in helping others above and beyond expectations! His sense of humor and ability to look on the bright side of things allowed him to maneuver through some of life's more challenging moments -- with success!

Woodrow was preceded in death by Rosa Lee Jenkins, his wife of 54 years; his parents, Wellington Sr. and Laura Henderson Jenkins; his sisters: Ella Mae Custer, Grace Bowie, Lorraine Jenkins, Lee Ethel Harrison, and Dorothy Jenkins, who died during infancy; 2 brothers: Riley Jenkins and Wellington Jenkins, Jr., and 1 niece: Gwendolyn McCaskill. He leaves to cherish his precious memories 4 daughters: Freda Hoston and Debra Browhaw -- Monroe, LA; Vanessa Carroll (Eric), Houston, TX, and Zeretha Jenkins, New York, NY; 1 sister: Thelma Brown, Baton Rouge, LA; 8 grandchildren: Heather, Terra LaShon, Marcus, Jovian, Christopher, Ronnie, Jr., Carl, and Christian; 10 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and church family members! A Celebration of Life for Woodrow Jenkins will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Liberty Hill Baptist Church, at 217 South 18th St. in Monroe, LA. Interment will be at Richwood Memorial Gardens with military honors. Visitation will be held Friday, April 16, 2021, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 2932 Renwick Street, Monroe, LA. Rev. James Bridgewater will officiate. Woodrow's belief in Jesus Christ, his gentle and compassionate spirit, and his willingness to lead by example, have left large impressionable footprints in the sand. They will forever be our path to living a better and more fulfilling Christian life.

All is well in Jesus's Name. In Jesus's Name, all is well. Rest in Peace, Thy good and faithful servant. Amen. The family wishes to thank the St. Francis Medical Center Staff for the vigilant care they provided for our precious loved one, Woodrow Jenkins, during his hospitalization.

Photo Woodrow Jenkins