Robert John Jenkins

Robert John Jenkins was born on November 25, 1938, to Edward Smith and Theresa Jenkins Smith in Brooklyn, New York.

He graduated from Boys High School in Brooklyn, New York and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956. He continued his education at Arkansas Baptist College, where he also received a degree of Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

He became united in marriage with Jewel Sanders Jenkins on December 1,1959.

In 1974, he became a member of the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Levern Swain. He later became the Pastor of the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in 1976 and served faithfully for the past 48 years until his death.

Pastor Jenkins served as President of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arkansas, President of the Argenta District Congress, Financial Secretary of the National Baptist Convention of America, Host of the National Baptist Convention of America, Board Member of the Foreign Mission Board of the National Baptist Convention of America, and Board Member of the National and Southern Baptist Cooperative Ministry.

Pastor Jenkins will always be a pillar in the Prince Hall Masonic Family, Jurisdiction of Arkansas. With over 60 years of dedicated services, he obtained the highest degree in Freemasonry of Grand Inspector General, 33rd Degree. He was the Senior Grand Chaplain of MWPHGL of Arkansas, Past Master of H.J. Evans, Senior Lodge #8, Jacksonville, Arkansas, Charter Member of W.P. Brown Chapter #142, North Little Rock, Arkansas, Charter Member of E.J. Jackson Commandery #8, North Little Rock, Arkansas, Charter Member of George Myles Council #2, North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Member of J.L.H. Consistory #76, Little Rock, Arkansas.

He became interested in golf at a later age and became a member of the Pro-Duffers of Little Rock in 2009 and enjoyed the sport immensely.

He departed this life on February 18, 2025. He is preceded in death by his Parents and Sons, Heath Edward Jenkins and Robert Sean Jenkins.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Jewel Jenkins; daughters: Joani Jackson (Myron), Sabrina Hayes, and Audra Nicole Jenkins; grandchildren: Marcus Jackson, Myron Jackson, Jr., Kenisha Hayes Ingram (Sevaria), and Brielle Hayes; great-grandchildren: Myles Jackson, Mason Jackson, Kash Ingram, and Mylik Jackson; siblings: Mustafa Hakim of New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Carol Smith of Burtonsville, Maryland, and Sheryl Freeman of Far Rockaway, New York, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.