Annie Mae (Easley) Jenkins

Annie Mae Easley Jenkins, born in Halifax County, VA on December 23, 1934, was the eldest of four children to Collin Easley Jr. and Annie Mae Walter Washington. Energetic and playful, Ann enjoyed games like double dutch and jacks. She attended Richmond Public Schools, specifically Maggie Walker High School, where she was a majorette and active in the drama club.

Ann embraced hard work from a young age, landing her first babysitting job at the age of 12. Integrity and confidence were her guiding principles, instilled by her mother’s affirmations: “Girl! you have a good head on your shoulders” and “Hold your head up when you walk.” These words empowered Ann to face life’s challenges, including the desire to care for others.

In 1951, Ann married Frank Dorsey Hill Sr., and together they had three children: Frank, Edwina, and Veronica. She set aside her dream of becoming a nurse to focus on raising her family. After her marriage ended, she pursued a long-held aspiration—moving to New York City, a dream sparked by her late Aunt Irene’s yearly promise to take her there.

In 1958, Ann moved to New York City, where she married the late Harry Jenkins, a former Air Force veteran. Together, they had five children: Robin, Jennifer, Keith, Stephen, and Kenneth. During this time, she also formed a lifelong bond with her best friend, the late Mynece Thomas. Ann and Mynece stood by each other through life’s trials and triumphs, sharing both hardships and joys. Their friendship was a steadfast bond, filled with unwavering support, laughter, and faith.

Guided by her faith, Ann experienced a profound moment in 1969 when she heard the audible voice of God, urging her to give her children the same opportunity to know Him. At 34 years old, in her kitchen, she knelt and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior—a decision that transformed her life and those around her.

While volunteering as a teacher’s aide at an elementary school, Ann felt inspired to return to school, determined to create a better life for her children. She credits God for guiding her through this journey. Her resilience encouraged Mynece and another young mother, Glory Massey, to pursue their own education. In 1975, Ann enrolled at Bronx Community College, balancing 12 credit hours, full-time work, and single parenthood. In 1982, she proudly earned her associate degree as a Registered Nurse.

Ann never intended to leave New York, but after 33 years, she returned to Richmond VA in August 1992 to care for her ailing mother, who passed away that October. Remaining in Richmond, she embraced her passion for sharing God’s word, which inspired her to pursue Christian counseling. Despite her 1999 breast cancer diagnosis, she remained steadfast in her calling.

In 2004, Ann was named class salutatorian and earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Lighthouse Christian Bible College, becoming a licensed minister. Entrepreneurship was also in her blood. In the 1970’s she opened a thrift store in New York. In 2005, she co-founded Blessed Hands and Heart, LLC, a Richmond-based home health care agency supporting seniors, alongside Joan Boyd. She remained dedicated to this work until her retirement in 2013.

Ann embodied the values she wished to see in the world. Her compassionate heart drove her to give generously of her time and resources—ministering God’s word, serving the elderly, and supporting those who were shut in. Known as Mother Jenkins, she was a dedicated member of Victory Life Fellowship, always willing to serve, whether teaching children in Creighton Court or volunteering at vacation bible school. She remained steadfast in her faith and service until relocating to North Carolina to be with family in 2018.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents, her brother John Easley, her daughter Jennifer Lewis, and her best friend, Mynece Thomas.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith and love, along with cherished memories for her family. Her children: Frankie D. Hill Jr. (Robinette) of Richmond, VA; Edwina Smith of Fort Mitchell, AL; Veronica Hill of Bronx, NY; Robin McRae of Greensboro, NC; Keith Jenkins of Conyers, GA; Stephen and Kenneth Jenkins of Richmond, VA; and stepdaughter Lavonnda Langston of Chesapeake, VA.

She is also survived by her sister Janice Carter of Bellwood, IL and brother Samuel Easley (Carolyn) of Richmond, VA.

Ann’s impact extends to her twelve grandchildren: Shalis Hill, Kawan Hill, Shernika Smith, Kiya Jenkins, Tyrone Lewis (Marjorie), Tenika Smith Parker, Carl McRae, Kenneth Jenkins Jr., Raven Jenkins, Keenan Jenkins, Javon Langston and Kendric Langston.

 She also leaves behind fifteen great-grandchildren: Ja’Kari McRae, Jaden Blake, Amarie McRae, Tayron Lewis, Stephen Jackson III, Zaccai McRae, Keirsten Jenkins, Kawan Hill Jr., Keith Chiles, Tristan Parker, Talayeh Parker, Talease Parker, Kiana Chiles, Tegan Parker, and Alora Jenkins.

Her memory is treasured by two nieces: Jennifer Ingraham and Karen Lewis; One daughters-in-love: Sara Jenkins. She was also deeply loved by three adopted grandsons: Harold Cummings Jr., Emmanuel Cummings, and Rakeem Mosley; one godchild: Gary Massey; a special caregiver: Danielle Thrasybule; and a host of extended family, dear friends, and church family who will forever cherish her legacy

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