Gwendolyn Anita Jenkins born November 7, 1958 to the union of the late James A. Jenkins Sr. and Joe Ester Redmond in Chicago, Illinois. Gwendolyn learned about the Lord at an early age while attending Cross Temple COGIC, where her parents were members. She was raised on the Southside of Chicago, graduated from Olive High School Academy in 1977 and attend Olive Harvey Community College.

In 1981, Gwendolyn moved to Hampton Virginia with her sister, Spring, who had just been assigned to Langley AFB. Gwendolyn continued her educational pursuits and attended Buckroe Skills Center in 1982, achieving a certification in Secretial Arts. In July 1987, Gwendolyn gave birth to her first son, Aubri. In 1990 Gwendolyn moved to San Berndino California, where her brother, Marvin was stationed, but decided to move back to Hampton Virginia when he decided to discharge from the Air Force in 1993.  In November 1994, Gwendolyn gave birth to her second son, Aureus.

While a resident of the Peninsula, Gwendolyn held several different jobs, but those most notable were Golden Corral in Hampton Virginia and Hampton Public Schools-Phoebus High School. She worked in the cafeteria where she was known as the cool lunch lady "Ms Gwen."  For the last 24 years she wad employed at Hampton Veterans Healthcare in Hampton Virginia.

Gwendolyn loved God and believed in treating people like she wanted to be treated. She was a people person and cared deeply for those she loved and respected. She furthered her studies of the Bible by attending Revelations and Daniel seminars, then later Bible study with the Elders at Calvary SDA Church in Newport News Virginia, where she attended with her sister and was later baptized.

Funeral service will be held at 1p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Calvary Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1200- 17th Street, Newport News, VA.  Viewing will be from 3- 6 pm on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at the funeral home and from 11 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church on Thursday.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.