Bernice Sutton Jenkins

Bernice Jenkins, 95, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister, passed away on October 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love and devotion to her family.

Born on January 7, 1930, in Calhoun County, Mississippi, Bernice cherished the simple pleasures of life and was a devoted homemaker who poured her heart into caring for her family and teaching them about Jesus. She treasured the time spent with her daughters – Patsy (Howard) Jones, Janet (Donnie) Bain, Betty (Michael) Rogers, and Renee (Joe) Ragon, and her sons – Ronald Jenkins and Tony (Pam) Jenkins, and her beloved grandchildren. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her grandchildren – Jennifer (Kevin) Bowling, Julie Bain, Joshua (Carol) Bain, Elisabeth (Luke) LaByer, Benjamin (Mary) Rogers, Stephen (Abby) Rogers, John (Michella) Rogers, Caleb (Margaret) Rogers, John (Brittany) Ragon, Leslie (Stephen) Moten, Paul (Eva) Ragon, Will (Casey) Jenkins, and Kate Jenkins, and her great grandchildren. Her brother, Larry Sutton, also survives her.

Bernice was a prayer warrior, faithful and persistent in calling out to the Lord for those she loved. She lived on purpose for Him, always watching for ways to witness or encourage or love someone well. Her life was often difficult, but she rarely complained, and she often sang as she worked. Her Bible was always open on the kitchen table.

Her favorite names were “Mother” and “Grandmother,” and she loved her family so deeply, praying for each one to know Jesus personally. Her frequent notes and calls to them told them how special and loved they were. She was humble and kind to everyone she met and a faithful servant in her church.

Bernice sewed most of her family’s clothes, and she loved to hand smock little dresses and even create wedding gowns for her daughters. The flowers that she planted and tended were a source of joy for her.

For a time she wrote a regular column in the Calhoun County Journal. Most of all, she was grateful, especially that most of her more than fifty blood descendants had accepted Jesus as their Savior. What a gift it was to be loved by her! A celebration of Bernice’s life was held on October 5, 2025, at the Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Rogers officiating. Following the service, Bernice was laid to rest in Rocky Branch Cemetery.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, Rupert Jenkins, father, Hubert Sutton, mother, Naomi Sutton, brothers – R.V. Sutton, Clarence Sutton, and Roger Sutton, and sisters – Leona Sullivan and Eloise Thompson, daughter, Rebecca Joan Jenkins, and her sons – Bro. Ronald Jenkins and Dr. Richard Anthony Jenkins.

Parker Memorial Funeral Home served the Jenkins family with great kindness and thoughtfulness.