Geraldine “Gerri” Jenkins, 78, peacefully entered into her eternal rest on Thursday evening, May 11, 2023 after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Gerri is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Nell Boyette. She is survived by two sons, Gary (Delinda) Jenkins of Powder Springs, Georgia and Raymond (Robyn) Jenkins of New Haven, Connecticut. She was a loving grandmother to four grandchildren, Tonya (Joseph) Dolan, Trevor (Kayla) Jenkins, Payton Jenkins, and Abby Jenkins. She was also a great grandmother to Rosalind “Rosie” Dolan. Gerri’s love extended to her niece, Terri Krygier, two great nephews, Chris (Jessica) Krygier and Michael (Kimberly) Krygier.  Also her great grandnephew, Elijah Krygier.

Gerri was born on November 7, 1944 to Guerry and Florence Arnsdorff of Springfield, GA. She graduated from Effingham County High School. She met her husband, David Jenkins, while working at Hunter Air Force Base. Together, they raised two sons and traveled around the country due to her husband’s military service. Her primary job was raising two wonderful sons and keeping their home running smoothy After separating from her husband, Gerri continued to live in Savannah and work in retail for several years.

From the various patriotic decorations in her home, to the multitude of family portraits on the walls, the love she possessed for her family and her country was undeniable. Beyond playing with her grandchildren and long talks over a cup of coffee, her love for her Savior Jesus was the true foundation of who she was. Gerri had a true gift when it came to hospitality. She paired her love of hospitality and serving within church ministries magnificently. She served in the women’s ministry at Robert McIntire Methodist Church and later continued her service in the women’s ministry at Bull Street Baptist Church. It was easy to see that Gerri loved sharing the love of Jesus with her community any chance she got.

She was a wonderful cook and often made food to share with family, friends and the community. She often showed her love through preparing and serving someone a great meal. She sold and loved her Tupperware ! She was a great care taker of those that she loved. She took care of her parents, her friend Grace and her Aunt Ebbie through so many years of her life. Gerri enjoyed celebrating various national holidays at River Street and taking photos to savor those moments. In her last few years, Gerri was found reading books, reading her bible, writing cards and letters to her friends and family, and watching any movie that appeared on the Hallmark channel.

Her family and friends will always remember her as the woman who cherished laughter, memories with those she held dear, a warm cup of coffee, and her faith in her savior Jesus. Though many will recall memories and adventures with her that involved River Street and Tybee Island beach, the most treasured memories will be the important life lessons that she carried out every day. Gerri taught us to  slow down in life with the ones we love the most. 

The funeral service will be at 1:00, Friday, May 19, 2023, at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. Interment will be in Turkey Branch United Methodist Church in Springfield. A visitaion will be the funeral home from 11:00 until 1:00, prior to the service.