Shirley Jenkins

Shirley Mae Jenkins, 72, of Clinton, Maryland, passed peacefully with her family praying by her side on Sunday August 24, 2025. Shirley was born to the late Charles Mackey, Sr and Martha Givens on February 14, 1953, on John’s Island, South Carolina.

At an early age, Shirley began attending Wesley United Methodist Church on John's Island, SC. She graduated from St. John’s High School Class of 1972. After graduation, she enrolled at Trident Technical College, Charleston SC, and earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. Over the years, she continued her education, earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Special Education. Shirley began her career as an educator with the Fairfax County Public School system. She also worked in both the Prince George’s County Public Schools and the District of Columbia Public Charter School systems, retiring after 25 years of total service. During her tenure as an educator, she embarked on a spiritual educational journey, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Christian Education and a Doctorate Degree in Theology.

Shirley was joined in holy matrimony to Arthur Lee Jenkins on August 14th, 1971. Shirley and Arthur added to their union four children: Vanessa Jenkins of Chesapeake, VA; Reynecia Proctor (Gary) of Virginia Beach, VA; Arthur Jenkins II (Tanisha) and Jermaine Jenkins both of Clinton, MD.

She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur Lee Jenkins, father Charles Mackey Sr., mother Martha Givens Brown, sister Kathleen LaBoard, and brothers Charles Mackey Jr (late Delores) and Lester Brown.

Shirley is survived by her four children, nine grandchildren: Ma’Keisha, Precious, Jahze’el, Za’Nila, Taylor, Ariah, AJ III, Ashley and Domonique; four great-grandchildren: London, Yamani, Keison and Yahir; her sisters Pearl LaBoard (James) and Deborah Wine (Stevie); brothers Jacob Brown Jr. (Wilhelmina), Elroy Brown (Wanda), Ronnie Brown, Keith Brown, and Charles Maxwell.

She was a devoted woman of God with a profound ministry that touched the lives of many. She was a loving wife, mother, aunt, sister and friend. She was a founding pastor of her church, Pathway Holiness Church, Inc., and former Treasurer of the Eastern District Fellowship of Churches (Peaceful Holiness Church, Inc.).

Shirley’s memories will be cherished by many of her family, friends and colleagues.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at Lee Funeral Home, Inc, Clinton, Maryland, on Saturday September 6, 2025 for funeral services beginning at 12:00pm. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.