Ernestine Jenkins

Ernestine Larkins was the daughter of the late Ella and Brent Larkin. Born on October 6 in York, Alabama, she was the second of five children. At the age of 16, she graduated from Withrow High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her hobbies include taking care of neighborhood kids, riding her bike for miles and collecting berries and other plants in the woods. Ernestine enjoyed nature and spent most of her time among the trees, plants, seeds, and animals. She picked up her kindhearted spirit and home cooking from her grandmother who taught her to cook, garden, and sew. Growing up, Ernestine was a very popular girl; everyone she came across loved her and enjoyed her presence.

Ernestine never let her earthly hobbies interfere with her mission for the Lord. As a youth, her home church was First Baptist in York, Alabama. One day she attended a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Revival held on her street. She developed a deep connection to the SDA message and committed herself to its principles. One of her favorite ministries was going door to door spreading the gospel through Christian Literature. She fell in love with the biblical teachings and soon joined the church, where she eventually met the late Harry Jenkins. She attended Oakwood College briefly, always saying she would go back.

While she herself never returned, she sponsored many ambitious students to attend Oakwood University throughout the years. On December 17, 1961, Ernestine and Harry were married. Their union produced Harry Stewart Jenkins and Angela Darlene Jenkins. Their home was centered around Christ, Ministry, and Christian Education. Both of their children attended Cincinnati Junior Academy, Pine Forge Academy and finally Oakwood College.  Ernestine and Harry worked for Dungarvin Ohio LLC as foster parents for over 38 years, providing care for over 100 high risk and intellectually disabled children. She sponsored countless children to attend Allegheny West Youth Camps and to participate in Ephesus SDA basketball programs. They fell in love with three special children, Nathan, India and Richard, adopting them into the Jenkins family.

In her final years, God even empowered her to teach her last foster child, who has a diagnosis of Down Syndrome, to communicate and perform simple tasks. Tasks that were believed to be impossible but through the power of Christ, Ernestine never gave up on anyone who entered her home.  Ernestine was a true witness for the Lord. Bursting out in random song or scripture, she loudly proclaimed her faith in God. In her final hours she praised the Lord with her last breath in Holy prayer.

On June 17, 2024, the Lord called upon His faithful warrior to lay down her weapons to await His soon return.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her siblings, Sarah, Joyce, and Warren behind; her children, Harry, Angela, Nathan, India, and Richard, along with special foster children, Larissa, Jemia, Jason, Deshauna, and Sherrod mourn her passing.  In addition, she leaves five grandchildren, Christopher, Alex, Matthew, Madeline, and Allegra; 27 other grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Ernestine will certainly be missed but her life and legacy will always be remembered.

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