Charles Jarvis Jenkins passed away at the age of 82 on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Sentara CarePlex Hospital, Hampton, VA.

Charles is survived by his sister Brenda Kay Jenkins, his children Crystal Richardson, Tonya West (Jimmy), and Charles Anthony Jenkins; his grandchildren Christopher West (Stacey), Nicolle Jones (Mike), India Harris, Jamie West, and Brooke Richardson; his great-grandchildren Mia Harris and Zoey Harris, his former wife Catherine Blackman; stepsons Curtis Jennings, Paul Blackman, Ronnie Blackman, and Walter Blackman; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and close friends Margaret Jones, Paul and Joyce Richardson, and Freddie Hawkins.

Charles was preceded in death by his loving wife Zatella Anne Jenkins, parents Ellen Moore Jenkins and Lonnie Alonzo Jenkins; his siblings Arimentha Leonard, William Detroit Greenway and Ella Francis Greenway.

Charles was born in Rich Square, North Carolina on November 18, 1939, where he had many wonderful childhood memories. During his childhood in the early 1950's, he moved with his family to Philadelphia, PA. He excelled in math and art, was inquisitive, creative, and industrious. He enjoyed collecting and playing marbles, reading comic books, and listening to cowboy shows on the radio.  During this time, he started working in the local small grocery store known as "Pop's" on 57 ^th St. in West Philadelphia, PA.

In 1958, Charles graduated from Overbrook High School. Also, that year, he met and fell in love with his future wife Zatella. They married December 19, 1959. Charles and Zatella were blessed with 3 children, Crystal, Tonya, and Anthony. The family lived in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, PA prior to purchasing their home in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia, PA. Charles and Zatella were famous for their lively gatherings with family and friends, especially weekend cookouts and holiday parties. There were always good times at the Jenkins' house with Charles at the center of the fun. His booming, hearty laugh was distinctive, contagious, and could be heard above the crowd.

In his earlier years, Charles loved camping. He and Zatella were members of the Leisure Travelers New Jersey/ Pennsylvania camping club and went on many trips. His other interests included membership in the Masonic lodge. In fact, he reached the 35th degree in this group and he became the Most Worshipful Master of the Light of Elmwood Lodge No. 45.

Charles had a keen interest in education. After graduating from high school, he took many courses at the University of Pennsylvania where he was working as a Stack Attendant. He was such a great worker that in a short time, he was promoted to the Van Pelt Library Night Supervisor. Charles then became the first African American Library Administrator in charge of operations, maintenance, and security for all the libraries at the University of Pennsylvania. In July 1999, he retired after 41 years of service as Operations Manager for the University of Pennsylvania Library Systems.

He shared many stories of his days at the University of Pennsylvania.  Charles was in charge of hosting many dignitaries at the University which included two United States' Presidents. However, his most memorable guest was the movie star Cicely Tyson. He often spoke of how Cicely blushed when he asked her if he could kiss her on the cheek and she allowed him.

On June 7, 1998, at the Mount Airy Church of Christ in Philadelphia, PA, Charles was baptized.  He served faithfully for 24 years by ministering, leading spiritual songs, participating and leading Bible studies, and visiting the residents at various local nursing homes. Prior to his passing, Charles was a member of Newport News Church of Christ where he ushered, served as song leader, led prayer, and served communion at the Lord's table.

Known by His Family as:

• Charles
• Daddy
• Daddio
• Pop-pop
• Poppity Pop

His Favorite Sayings with Family & Friends:

• "What's going on. What's hot, what's not, what's new with you, who did what, when, where, why, and how c-o-m-m-m-m-m-e?"
• "Are you working hard or hardly working?"
• "I'm just picking at you. You're so pickable." 😊

His Favorite Bible Verses :

• Psalms 23 : 1-6 The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want………
• Psalms 46:10 – "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
• Proverbs 3:5,6 – "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Charles' family and friends are coming together to remember, celebrate, and appreciate his life.  They invite all who can join to attend at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 30 ^th 2022 at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton (Phone: 757-825-8070) to remember and appreciate Charles Jarvis Jenkins.

To join online and watch the celebration live, please CLICK HERE