Joan D. Jenkins

In the summer on July 23, 1954, in Charleston, South Carolina, Joan Dell Jenkins made her entrance into this world to the proud parents of Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Elizabeth Jenkins. She was their last bundle of joy among four children.



Joan loved spending time with her family, especially her nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, friends, and alumnae and thoroughly enjoyed taking candid pictures of them. Joan rarely left home without one of her many cameras, laptops, and iPad. She enjoyed traveling and met no strangers. Joan realized early on that her purpose in life was taking care of people and handling business.



Joan became known as “Mama Joan” because she was always called upon by others for her advice. Joan’s legacy is one of caring and giving to all who came in contact with her. She was never too busy to listen.



In her early years, Joan became a member of New Frances Brown United Methodist Church (AME) under the leadership of Pastor Harold G. Gordon, in Charleston, South Carolina. After relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, she became an active member of Elizabeth Baptist Church, under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Dr. Craig L. Oliver, Sr. She served faithfully as an advisor for the Elizabeth Baptist Church Youth Bank until her health failed.



Joan attended CE Wallace Elementary School, and graduated from Middleton High School in 1972. In the fall of 1972, she attended, and in later years, graduated from Wilberforce University, located in Wilberforce, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Rehabilitation in 1976. Joan was a very active member of the Wilberforce University Atlanta Alumni Chapter for 21 years. During those years, she served with a passion, in many capacities as: President, Vice President, Secretary, chaired the Events Committee, and served wherever there was a need.



Professionally, Joan was a Regional Operations Manager (ROM), for SunTrust Bank Inc., where she was employed for 27 years, and subsequently retired in 2012. As a Regional Operations Manager, she conducted training and implementation of new policies and procedures. She also monitored the overall operational procedures for nine branches.



In addition, Joan was the owner and operator of Jenkins Bookkeeping and Tax Service, a sole proprietorship business

for the past 19 years. As a tax preparer and bookkeeper, Joan strived to help her clients stay abreast of current tax laws, and to take advantage of money saving techniques.

In 2004, Joan was diagnosed with breast cancer. With a strong determination and her faith in the Creator, Joan courageously fought and became a breast cancer survivor for many years. Joan stated “I love the Lord and proclaim Christ as my personal Savior, and am a living witness to God’s healing powers. To God be the Glory!”



On the morning of October 12, 2014, the Creator’s call came and said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28. Joan accepted the call, and now she resides in Eternity. She transitioned to join in a family reunion with her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Elizabeth Jenkins; her sister and best friend, the late Cynthia Jenkins-Wright; her brother, Charles Jenkins, Jr.; and her special, late “Aunt Dottie” Dorothy Carletta Raiford.