of Leslie, AR
November 15, 1933 - August 20, 2025
William Jerome Jenkins, age 91 of Leslie, Arkansas passed from this earthly life on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 at Highland Court in Marshall, Arkansas. He was born in Parkin, Arkansas on November 15th, 1933 to Vernon Gerald Jenkins and Vivian Fontella Crick Jenkins. Jerome was married to Hyacinth Hood Jenkins for 60 years before her passing in 2017.
Jerome was a man whose life reflected devotion and joy in all that mattered most. He proudly served his country for 41 years in the Air Force, Army Reserve, and National Guard, a testament to his dedication and strength. A lifelong learner and teacher, he earned a master's degree in vocational education and a bachelor's degree in business, later sharing his knowledge as a teacher who inspired others to achieve their goals. From 1973 to 1983, he and his beloved wife Hyacinth owned and operated the Sears store in Marshall, working side by side to serve their community. Even after that chapter closed, he continued to help countless families throughout the county by repairing appliances. His faith in the Lord was steady and unwavering, lived out through his service as a member of Marshall First Baptist Church. He cared deeply for his family-believing they could do no wrong-and found joy in helping others pursue their education, leaving a lasting mark on many lives. He loved Football, especially the Razorbacks. Perhaps most remarkable was his discipline in keeping a journal for 75 years, carefully recording wisdom, memories, daily life, and even Razorback football scores. And in the midst of all his seriousness, he had a playful side-famously claiming he was "allergic" to chicken simply because he hated it, a story that always brought a smile to those who knew him.
Survivors include his children, Romey Jenkins and wife Donna Kay of Marshall and Scarlet King and husband Kem of Leslie; grandchildren, Jade King (Natalie) of New York, NY, Macy Jenkins of Conway, Mecca Holland (Justin) of Damascus and Kayla Meier of Marshall; great-grandchildren, Braylen Meier, Hadley Meier, Baylor Holland and Wrenley Meier; and one sister, Colleen Bonanno of Parkin.
Jerome is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Fontella Jenkins; his wife, Hyacinth Hood Jenkins; and siblings, Charles Jenkins, Ester Melton, Vernon Jenkins Jr., Robert Jenkins, Vivian Blake Pafford and Newton Jenkins.
Graveside services for Jerome will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye, Arkansas. Visitation will be 6:00 till 8:00 PM Monday, August 25th, 2025 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas. Interment will be in the State Veterans Cemetery at Birdeye. Friends and family will serve as bearers.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 18704483338.
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24 Condolence(s)
James K Tucker
Friday, August 22, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Jenkins Family and to everyone who knew and loved Jerome. He was a Warrior who served honorably in the defense of the Country he loved. He was a Godly man who loved the Lord and he loved his Family. Thanks to our faith we are assured of the promise that we will be with him one day in Heaven. Amen!
Carla Kelley
Friday, August 22, 2025
Romey & Scarlet & families sending many prayers. Hold tight to your memories, prayers for your pain. But, just imagine how happy he is now…❤️
Eddie, and Kathy Morrison
Friday, August 22, 2025
Jerome, and Hyacinth, were such nice people. Jerome went about fixing appliances, and helping people as much as he could.Romie, and Scarlet I know you will miss him so, but I know he is with Hyacinth, and with the Lord, walking the streets of gold. How beautiful Heaven must be.
Daphne Warren
Friday, August 22, 2025
So sorry to hear about Jerome . What a sweetheart. So good to everyone. Prayers for the family. Love Daphne
Garrett Horton
Friday, August 22, 2025
Phyllis Taylor
Friday, August 22, 2025
Jerome was truly a wonderful man! He will be missed.
Jackie & Don Koppenhaver
Friday, August 22, 2025
So sorry for your loss sending our prayers for the family. We have the fondest memories of Jerome and Hyacinth.
Bruce Stewart
Friday, August 22, 2025
So saddened to hear of Jerome's passing. He has been a figure in town ever since we moved here. Always had a smile and story for me whenever we crossed paths. A larger than life personality. My prayers for Romey, Scarlet, and the rest of the family as well as the many people who called him a friend.
Faye Preddy
Friday, August 22, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear of Jerome's passing.He was such a nice person.Prayers for all his family.
Earlene Carter
Friday, August 22, 2025
Sorry for your loss. May God comfort you 🙏
Darryl Treat
Friday, August 22, 2025
Mr. Jenkins was my friend and comrade in arms! He was devoted to God and his country. He left the world a better place because he cared enough to serve in the military, to serve as an educator, and serve as a businessman! I salute his service to his community, state, and nation!
Jim and Debbie Horton
Friday, August 22, 2025
Jerome also met you with a smile. He and his wife were such sweet and friendly people. I met them first when they ran the Sears store. So so sorry for your loss Romey and Scarlet families. The loss is heavens gain. You are in our prayers
Albert & Anna Maze
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Romey and Scarlet and families, we are sorry to hear about your Dad. Your parents were such nice people. We enjoyed knowing them. They are happy together again now. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Stan Dailey
Thursday, August 21, 2025
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Jerome, a man loved by everyone. If there is a heaven, he'll be there.
Anna Gorecke
Thursday, August 21, 2025
So sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure to take care of Jerome and Hyacinth while they were at Highland Court.
Lisa Jones Stewart
Thursday, August 21, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss
John Richmond
Thursday, August 21, 2025
I'm sorry for your loss. My Dad always enjoyed visiting with Mr. Jenkins. He was a great friend to him and will be missed by the community. My prayers are with your family.
Carolyn Weeks Milam
Thursday, August 21, 2025
So sorry to hear of Jerome's passing. I've known Jerome and most of the Jenkins family since the 1960's. They, as a family, were very well respected around our hometown of Parkin, Arkansas. When Ben & I moved to Marshall, both Jerome and Hyacinth welcomed us like family and were helpful in so many ways. He was always a good friend. He will be missed.
Brenda J Lewis
Thursday, August 21, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss, I always loved being around Jerome and Hyacinth, they were very good people.
James and Jeri White, Coleta Greene and KeJay Woolf
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Our deepest sympathy in your loss. Jerome was a wonderful one of a kind person. Whenever we needed a washer or dryer fixed he was the person we called. Half the time he wouldn't charge us. He could fix an appliances when others could not. We enjoyed listening to his stories and his point of view in life. He will be missed.
Mazie Lee
Thursday, August 21, 2025
I want to express my condolences to Scarlet and to the whole family. You were fortunate to have him for that many years. I loved following his pictures with the family that he seem to enjoy and love so much. My prayers for comfort and good memories.
Amanda R Casey
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
So sorry for your loss praying for all the family
Douglas Campbell
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
Rhonda and Larry Rowlett
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
He always had a smile on his face and a song in his heart. Praying for your family at this hard time.
Rhonda and Larry Rowlett