Bettie Jenkins

Pastor Bettie Jean Cooper Jenkins, 68, of Macon, Georgia went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 5, 2024. A service to honor Pastor Bettie's life will take place on Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 1:00 pm in the Chapel of Fairhaven Funeral Home with a visitation one hour prior to the service. A private burial with her family will take place in New Springfield Baptist Church Cemetery in Alexander, Georgia on Monday, February 12, 2024.

Bettie was born in Millen, Georgia on March 27, 1955 to the late Mr. Otis Cooper and Mrs. Viola Smith Cooper. She was a woman of prayer; a remarkable soul whose light shined through the lives of all who knew her. Bettie was more than a mere presence; she was a beacon of wisdom, compassion, and unwavering love. She had a heart that embraced the beauty and splendor of the world and lived a life that resonated with purpose and meaning.

Bettie was a woman of diverse interests. Her love for literature was profound, always seeking deeper knowledge and understanding. Through her counsel using Biblical principles and personal wisdom gained from her many life's experiences, she offered solace and guidance to those navigating life's trials through, her words a soothing balm to troubled souls. As she preached, her voice echoed with conviction and grace, imparting timeless truths that stirred hearts and inspired minds. Bettie's love for history was deep, a reverence for the past that enriched her perspective on the present. She was rather fond of writings on Black History, biographies of notable American celebrities and political dynasties, the English Monarchy, and her favorite musicians of her youth. But most especially, she read her Bible every day, throughout the day, as it was her source of life and strength.

In her garden, she found comfort in nature and communion with her ancestors through the skills which had been passed down for generations. Social by nature, she was a stranger to no one and a friend to all, a master at human connection, bridging gaps and fostering a sense of community wherever she went. In her acts of kindness and generosity as a wife, mother, and friend, she epitomized selflessness and lived out the words of our Lord Jesus, that "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35), extending a helping hand to all in need. Bettie's ministry was not an occupation, but her life's mission, reaching out with love and compassion to uplift the weary and downtrodden. But above all, she cherished her family with a love that knew no bounds. To them, she was not just a wife or mother, but a pillar of strength – a loving warrior ready to go to battle on their behalf.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband of 43 years, Pastor Joseph Jenkins, Jr.

Left to cherish her memory are her, four children; Stacy Jenkins, Cindy Jenkins, Dr. John J. Jenkins and his dear wife Tricia, and Trevor S. Jenkins; one granddaughter, Aisis Jenkins Hull; a godson, Homer Clyde Jackson; 13 siblings, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Friends may sign the online register at www.fairhavenmacon.com

Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation services has the honor of being entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Harriet Tubman Museum in Macon, GA: https://www.tubmanmuseum.com/support/donate-now/ Promoting and preserving African American art, history, and other aspects of African American culture were near and dear to her heart.