Margaree "Marge" Jenkins was born on August 11, 1933, in Aiken, South Carolina. She
was raised by her mother Maggie Lundy and her maternal grandmother, Rosanna
Lundy, who kept Marge and her brother Fred Lundy close to and involved in the Baptist
Church.

Marge was a proud graduate of Scofield High School, where she excelled academically.
Following graduation, Marge matriculated to Allen University in Columbia, SC, where
she majored in education. Marge loved Allen and quickly became immersed in the on-
campus life. She connected with other young scholars who would become lifelong
friends. During her sophomore year, she befriended a member of the Allen football
team, Arthur Jenkins. That friendship would evolve into a loving union lasting for over 45
years until Arthur's passing in 1999.
Following graduation, Marge returned to Aiken to teach in her hometown while Arthur
served in the military in Anchorage, Alaska. Shortly after Arthur returned from Alaska,
the newlyweds moved to Colorado Springs while Arthur completed his final military
assignment. Following Arthur's discharge, and before the couple's planned to return to
the East Coast, Arthur wanted to show Marge the beautiful state of California, as he had
traveled there during his time in the military. So, the couple traveled to Los Angeles for
a "visit," and that short visit resulted in a new and permanent life in California.
While in Los Angeles, in 1958, the couple was blessed with their daughter, Cheryl. A
few years later, Marge received her first teaching offer in the state, but that offer would
require a relocation to the small central valley town of Dos Palos, CA. Marge became
the town's first African American teacher. The entire South Dos Palos community
welcomed the young couple with open arms. While Marge educated the youngsters,
Arthur became immersed in community activism, advocating for better jobs, schools,
and clean water for the black neighborhood known as South Dos Palos. In 1962, the
couple welcomed their second child, Norman. Shortly thereafter, in 1965, the couple
secured jobs in Fresno, CA.
Marge was an outstanding educator with an unyielding passion for her students. To
further her professional development, she enrolled in a weekend graduate degree
program at Pepperdine University, where she earned a master's degree in special
education. For many years, Marge volunteered at the Saturday school skills enrichment
program she helped establish. Marge was also an active member of the St. Paul Church
in West Fresno, where she served on the missionary board, taught Sunday school, and
served as the lead instructor of the vacation bible school for many years.

She had a beautiful smile that would light up any room and a laugh that was simply
contagious and was like no other… she was a lady in every sense of the word. And
while her grace and kindness could be seen from near and far, one might be foolish to
assume her quiet spirit equaled timidness. She was comfortable in her own skin. Marge
was well-read, a wonderful writer, and spoke with perfect diction. She could discuss
politics, world affairs, and the Bible, and enjoyed her fair share low-brow television
shows. And if you ever had her German Chocolate Cake, you would agree that it was
the best you've ever eaten on this side of heaven!
Most of all, Marge was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Marge retired early to care for Arthur during his lengthy illness. As a mother, there was
none better. She was kind, loving, stern, and patient. She loved her children and adored
her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Grandma J."

Marge leaves many friends and family to cherish her precious memory, including her
children, Cheryl (John) and Norman (Cammye), grandchildren Brad and Bryantand
Langston, Nicholas and Alexandra Jenkins, and great-granddaughters Aaliyah, Amira, and Bria Langston.

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