It was January 3, 1946, just a few days into the new year, when Cecelia Jenkins was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, to the late Virginia and Daniel Presley, Sr. She had six brothers, Dan, Leon, Kenneth, Raymond, Robert and Julius as well as two sisters Jerlyn and Gloria. Cecelia accepted Christ as her Lord and savior at an early age and attended Pilgrim Baptist Church throughout her childhood.

Growing up in St. Paul, Cecelia attended Mechanic Arts High School where she was a member of the volleyball team and a baton twirler. She graduated in 1964 and that same year, on March 30, she married her husband, the late Reverend Richard Jenkins, Sr. They welcomed five children into their lives, Richard, Jr., Christian, Saran, Nreka, and Nisa.

Cecelia spent some time working a variety of jobs including some time as an assembly worker at Unisys and as a paraprofessional at several local schools. However, it seemed that her lifelong, full-time job was to always care for others. Whether it was family or strangers she always found a way to help.

She volunteered her time at the Dorothy Day Center and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Military Order of the Purple Heart. She also spent more than 30 years facilitating religious services at St. Cloud Correctional Facility and other correctional facilities with her husband. Cecelia was known for her ministry. Her creativity and the way she delivered God’s word is something people will forever remember. The story of the baby monkey was always a favorite.

In her free time, Cecelia loved tending to her yard. She would spend hours making sure her outdoor space always looked beautiful. Oftentimes, she was in the yard with her dogs. If you knew Cecelia, you knew she loved her dogs. She also loved attending ceramic classes, sewing, and crocheting.

Cecelia was known for her cooking and baking. Her cakes were very popular as they were often requested by her friends. She baked without expecting or getting anything in return because she had a very giving spirit.

Finally, Cecelia was a Bible scholar. When she wasn’t caring for others, she was caring for her soul by sitting in her chair and studying the Bible. She never went a day without spending quality time with the Lord.

Cecelia spent years taking care of her mother when she became ill. She cared for her husband before his passing. When Cecelia could no longer take care of herself, her children and grandchildren were there by her side to take care of her. On April 25, her light became dim as she peacefully transitioned surrounded by family.

She leaves behind a loving family to cherish the memories of her life: her sons Richard Jenkins, Jr. (Amy), and Christian Jenkins; daughters, Saran Crayton (Jason), Nreka Cooper (Craig), and Nisa Jenkins; and her only surviving sibling, Gloria Massey. She is remembered by her grandchildren Pierre (Shayla), Destiny, Jordan, Harrison, Isis (Sedrick), D’Angelo, Valentino, Giavonna, Neveah, Delayna, Isaiah, and Jason II. Additionally, her two great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Cecelia Jenkins will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, laughing with her, worshipping with her, and spending meaningful quality time with her. We will always remember Cecelia as someone who never had a bad thing to say about anyone, was always uplifting, and had a very trusting and forgiving spirit. She always believed in the best of everyone. 

Services will be held on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at Pilgrim Baptist Church, located at 732 W. Central Ave St. Paul, MN 55104.  Visitation begins at 10:00 am.  Funeral Services begin at 11:00 am.   Interment will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetary located at 7601 34th Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN.   Repass services will follow the Internment beginning at 2:30 p.m.

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