WILLIAM JEROME JENKINS

 William Jerome Jenkins, age 91 of Leslie, Arkansas, passed from this earthly life on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025, at Highland Court in Marshall, Arkansas. He was born in Parkin, Arkansas, on November 15th, 1933, to Vernon Gerald Jenkins and Vivian Fontella Crick Jenkins. Jerome was married to Hyacinth Hood Jenkins for 60 years before her passing in 2017.
 Jerome was a man whose life reflected devotion and joy in all that mattered most. He proudly served his country for 41 years in the Air Force, Army Reserve, and National Guard, a testament to his dedication and strength.
 A lifelong learner and teacher, he earned a master’s degree in vocational education and a bachelor’s degree in business, later sharing his knowledge as a teacher who inspired others to achieve their goals.
 From 1973 to 1983, he and his beloved wife Hyacinth owned and operated the Sears store in Marshall, working side by side to serve their community. Even after that chapter closed, he continued to help countless families throughout the county by repairing appliances.
 His faith in the Lord was steady and unwavering, lived out through his service as a member of Marshall First Baptist Church. He cared deeply for his familybelieving they could do no wrongand found joy in helping others pursue their education, leaving a lasting mark on many lives.
 He loved Football, especially the Razorbacks. Perhaps most remarkable was his discipline in keeping a journal for 75 years, carefully recording wisdom, memories, daily life, and even Razorback football scores. And in the midst of all his seriousness, he had a playful sidefamously claiming he was “allergic” to chicken simply because he hated it, a story that always brought a smile to those who knew him.
 Survivors include his children, Romey Jenkins and wife Donna Kay of Marshall and Scarlet King and husband Kem of Leslie; grandchildren, Jade King (Natalie) of New York, NY, Macy Jenkins of Conway, Mecca Holland (Justin) of Damascus and Kayla Meier of Marshall; great-grandchildren, Braylen Meier, Hadley Meier, Baylor Holland and Wrenley Meier; and one sister, Colleen Bonanno of Parkin.
 Jerome is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Fontella Jenkins; his wife, Hyacinth Hood Jenkins; and siblings, Charles Jenkins, Ester Melton, Vernon Jenkins Jr., Robert Jenkins, Vivian Blake Pafford, and Newton Jenkins.
 Graveside services for Jerome will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye, Arkansas. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, August 25th, 2025, at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas. Interment will be in the State Veterans Cemetery at Birdeye. Friends and family will serve as bearers.