Mattie Lou Jenkins

Mattie Lou (Bussey) Jenkins was born July 6, 1931 in Quitman County, Georgia to the late Homer Bussey and Lorene (Granger) Bussey. She was the second of eight children and is survived by three sisters, Ethel Holman, Irene Thomas and Annette Rose; three brothers and one sister who preceded her in death; Willie H. Bussey, Benjamin Bussey, Henry Bussey and Archie Bell Smothers. On April 23, 2019, our beloved mother was called to her heavenly home. At an early age Mattie committed her life to the Lord at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Hatcher, Georgia. In December of 1945, she married Earnest (Shug) Jenkins, who fondly gave her the nickname “Candy Doll”. They were married for 73 years and are the proud parents of ten children: James, Willie Eva (deceased), Mattie Pearl, Larry, Andrew, George, Harold, Eddie, Glenn and Debbie. After the birth of their first four children, the family relocated to Winter Garden, Florida in 1960, where they became members of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. Relocating to Orlando in 1970, the family later joined New Inspiration Baptist Church. When nephew Pastor Omega Jenkins became pastor of True Vine Baptist Church, Mattie, Ernest, and several family members moved their membership to True Vine Baptist Church. Mattie loved Sunday School and singing in the choir. She raised their children to be God-fearing. She balanced high expectations for them with humor and laughter that filled the room. Working in the home, Mattie often provided child care services for her grandchildren as well as countless others who call her grandma. Now young adults, they all testify to the profound impact she had on their lives. Many youth in the community appreciated her kind heart and incredible cooking. Mattie was known as a godly and caring woman who opened her home to those in need. To her husband and children, she was the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. She is survived by her husband, Earnest (Shug) Jenkins; nine children, James (Ferndale), Mattie Pearl (Prince), Larry (Shirley), Andrew (Andrea), George, Harold (Barbara), Eddie (Sharon), Glenn, Debbie (Cummings); 29 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and extended family.

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Mattie Lou Jenkins

July 6, 1931 - April 23, 2019