of Memphis, TN
March 19, 1938 - September 21, 2020
Forrest Norton (Joe) Jenkins of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away September 21, 2020, at the age of 82. Joe died peacefully with his beloved wife Linda by his side.
Joe was born in Dyess Colony, Arkansas, on March 19, 1938, to father James Forrest Jenkins and mother Vernice Raye Norton Jenkins.
Over the course of his career, Joe served in a range of capacities, including as Chairman and President of the former Citizens Bank in Marion, Arkansas, as well as board chairman and instructor at the Mid-South School of Banking. Additionally, Joe served on the Arkansas Bank Holding Company board. Joe came out of retirement to serve on the Evolve Bank and Trust Board of Directors. While serving on the Board, he was recruited to be the president of Evolve Bank's Arkansas Banking Division. His philanthropic endeavors included being on the national and Arkansas-affiliate boards of the American Heart Association, the boards of the Mid-South Community College Foundation and Crittenden County Regional Hospital. Being a good steward of other people's money, along with his personal ethic of helping those less fortunate, made him a reliable Board Member of St. Francis Hospital, and later, Chairman of the Board and life-time Board Member of The Assisi Foundation. He was also a founding member of the Esperanza Bonanza Festival in Marion, Arkansas. He graduated from Arkansas State University and The Stonier Graduate School of Banking.
As an avid duck hunter, Joe enjoyed cold mornings in a soggy duck blind as long as there were plenty of birds.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and by his brothers, Jimmy Ray Jenkins, David Elbert Jenkins and Donald Lawrence Jenkins. He is survived by his wife, Linda Bauer Jenkins; children, Forrest N. Jenkins II, Jennifer L. Jenkins, and Jeff B. Jenkins; sister, Pricilla Louis Jenkins Smith; grandchildren, Alexis Stilley (William), Cotter Parker (Connor), and Forrest Jenkins lll; and two wonderful great-granddaughters along with nieces and nephews.
A rosary for Joe is planned for Thursday, September 24, 2020, beginning 3:45 pm, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 411 North Missouri Street, West Memphis followed by a visitation from 4-8 pm. Funeral proceedings will begin at 11 am, Friday, September 25th, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 411 North Missouri Street, West Memphis. Interment will follow at Crittenden Memorial Park, 2206 Hwy 64 in Marion, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of one's choice.
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home will be following guidelines issued by the Arkansas Department of Health and the CDC regarding COVID-19. Social distancing of at least six feet must be practiced and all funeral attendees must provide and wear their own masks.
Sign Guestbook
22 Condolence(s)
Verna Jean Carter & Cheryl Carter Ward
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Linda and family,
Herbert and I thought so much of Joe. He was a great neighbor and friend to the community as well as our family.
May you feel the presence of peace through our continued prayers.
Sincerely,
Verna Jean & Cheryl
Bill Falvey and Emily Woodside
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Opera Memphis will sorely miss a long-time friend and supporter in Joe Jenkins. He was a past Chairman of the Board and a loyal attendee for many years. He had a way of lighting up the room wherever he went-so fun to be with.
Our prayers to Linda and the Jenkins family
Denny Hattler
Saturday, September 26, 2020
My memories of Joe (and Linda) at FADICA meetings are many and all happy.
He will be remembered in my prayers and a donation will be made In his honor and memory, to one of our local charities.
Much love to your family,
Denny Hattler
Sherry Skyrmes Carroll
Thursday, September 24, 2020
What a great boss, friend and person. Prayer to the familey.
Teresa Qualls Felix
Thursday, September 24, 2020
So sorry for ur loss sending prayers for the family
Ronnie and Donna Palmer
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family.
Alex Waddell Smith
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Joe was a one-of-a-kind class act. When he was on the DeltaARTS board, he was always incredibly supportive and dependable. He and his dedication to this community will be sorely missed. Prayers of comfort for Linda & the rest of the Jenkins family.
Mary Cox Bryant
Thursday, September 24, 2020
oh how Heaven gained a wonderful angel. I thought of Mr Jenkins often since leaving Marion area. Also Jeff , you were a good friend when we worked together.
Mott Jones
Thursday, September 24, 2020
I am sorry to hear about Joe’s death.
He was fine person, good banker and an asset to the School of Banking (now Barrett School of Banking)..
Mott Jones
Ernestine Berry Smith
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Joe was a true Southern Gentleman and one of the finest people I have ever known. He was always positive and was a fine leader. He was the Chairman of the Board of The Assisi Foundation of Memphis for nine years and was so supportive of the Staff. He was admired, loved, and will be missed by everyone. On the other hand, he commanded respect and suffered no fools. He excelled at running effective meetings. He was a brilliant businessman.
Linda and the family are on my mind and in my prayers. Love you.
Lucy Moreau
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Dear Jenkins family,
So sorry for your loss, Sincerely
Lucy Moreau
Sandra Bufford
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Ms. Linda
Y’all will be in my prayers! You and Mr Joe have always been good to me and he helped me to grow in banking. You have trusted me enough to watch Alexis on a number of times. Joe will be missed.
Sandra and Dwight Bufford
Janet and Jim Robbins
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Linda, our hearts are broken to learn of Joe’s passing. He had the most jovial of personalities, the heartiest appreciation for life, was the best dancer, and a really fine human being. He will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him and calling him “friendâ€.
We love you and your sweet family. Know that we are grieving with you.
Janet and Jim Robbins
Gregg Qualls
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Joe was fine banker and an exceptional man. We bank examiners all looked forward to examining his bank, as it was well run and he treated great, very gracious and hospital.
Amber Reed
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of one of favorite people. Linda. I pray for you and your family. MY GOD send you peace and mercy
Amber Reed
Jenny Adams
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of Mr Jenkins passing. I worked for him at Citizen Bank and he was a wonderful and caring boss.
Roger Atkins
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Linda, I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed the time I spent working with Joe. You and your family are in my prayers. Roger Atkins
Cecilia and Don Clanton
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Linda...we are hurting so deeply for you. Don is so sad that Joe will not be sitting right next to him at those Evolve board meetings they so enjoyed attending together. We feel so blessed to have both of you in our lives. We are so torn about attending the services because we want to honor all that Joe means to us and the wonderful life he represents but Don has asthma and we just have to be more than cautious for him now. We know you will understand but our hearts are hurting about not being with. Love, Cecilia
Debbie Whitlock
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Linda and family,
So sorry for your loss. Joe was such a good and giving person. He will be missed by all who knew him.ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ’•
Nelda & John Antonetti
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Joe leaves a wonderful legacy that would be hard to emulate. I have never heard an unkind word about him and the Jenkins room at the county library and his work in getting the library established, is just one of the many lasting benefits that he gave to the community. We have so many fond memories of Joe, and were so thankful that we could participate with him in many of his endeavors from the library to the heart association to the Esperanza and to his love of gardening. Our prayers and thoughts are with Linda and all of the family. The world is a better place because of Joe.
Kyle Penter
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Joe was the man that gave me my first job in banking some 28 years ago. He saw something in me and took a chance on a young kid, not too far removed from college. I will be forever grateful for the time we spent together, as I learned so much from him and I honestly would not be where I am today without Joe. He was a great mentor, but more importantly he was just Joe. He always had a kind word and advice anytime you needed guidance. The Jenkins family should be so proud of the legacy he leaves behind. He was loved by so many and respected by everyone that knew him. Prayers of comfort for Linda and the kids.
Sarah Penter
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Prayers to the Jenkins family.