ERNEST EUGENE JENKINS
Ernest Eugene Jenkins, 60, husband of Sarah Bell Linton Jenkins, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter.
He was born on Aug. 22, 1963, in Sumter County, to the late Frank Sr. and Queen Esther Brown Jenkins. Ernest was affectionately called "Gene" by his family and friends. He was educated through the Sumter County Public School System and was a 1982 graduate of Hillcrest High School in Dalzell. Gene accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age. He was baptized at Grant Hill Baptist Church, where he was a member of the trustee ministry and male chorus until his death. He was also a member of the brotherhood ministry, usher ministries, young adult choir and the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Gene retired from Sumter School District in 2017; however, returned to work part-time as a bus driver for them and Thomas Sumter Academy. Gene's passion was in sports, particularly in rooting for the Washington Commanders football team, and indulging in the sport of bowling, where he would express sentiments of joy when he made a strike by yelling "Hoo U Wit." His family held a special place in his heart, especially his grandsons. He dedicated himself to hard work, cherishing his loved ones and quietly supporting those in need. Gene was a hardworking man and was known to help others in need.
Gene leaves to cherish loving and fond memories: Sarah, his living wife of 35 years; his supportive son and confidant, Timothy (Quanetta Taylor) Jenkins of Dalzell; his affectionate and caring daughter, Courtney Renee Jenkins of the home; three loving grandchildren, Amari Francis-Jenkins of the home, Ky'Morion and Ty'Zavion Jenkins of Dalzell; two sisters, Gloria (Leonard) Scott of Sumter and Barbara Jenkins of Dalzell; six brothers, Frank (Eddie Jean) Jenkins of Sumter, Willie (Ernestine) Jenkins, Henry (Victoria) Jenkins, Earl Jenkins, Ronald (Ernestine) Jenkins and William (Linda) Jenkins, all of Dalzell; a special niece, Lashawn Charelle Jenkins-Bradford of Sumter; special nephews, Jeffery Scott of Dalzell and Dewayne Jenkins of Columbia; a mother-in-law, Ada Albert of Sumter; brothers-in-law, Wisdom Albert III of Sumter and Stanley Albert of Columbia; one aunt, the Rev. Roberta C. Josey of Sumter; special friends, Lisa Pedro, Alex Prioleau, Fred Smith and Paul Bird; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family in the neighborhood who will truly miss him.
In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation at the home, 4720 Cannery Road, Dalzell.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 5401 Black River Road, Rembert, with the Rev. Clifton N. Witherspoon, pastor, officiating.
The remains will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. for viewing until time of the services.
The family will leave the home at 10:20 a. m.
Burial will be in the Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church yard Cemetery.
Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.