Clareice D. Jenkins' Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Clareice D. Jenkins, affectionately known as “Mama Jenkins.” Clareice passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2024, in a Nashville Hospital surrounded by her daughter's, family, and friends. Born in Escatawpa, MS on June 17, 1934 and graduated from Magnolia High School then moved with her sister, Tommye, to Chattanooga, TN. Let’s say Chattanooga would not be the same. A member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Clareice worked several jobs over the years; housekeeper, Memorial Hospital, Cutter Laboratories, Buster Brown, and the last and most impactful was with the City of Chattanooga as Director of Parks and Recreation. A cherished member of our community at age 90, Clareice’s legacy is woven into the fabric of countless lives. A mentor to many generations, Clareice dedicated her life to nurturing the youth and anyone else in her sphere, imparting wisdom, kindness, and a sense of purpose to all who had the privilege to know her. She enjoyed spending time playing basketball, watching sports, bowling, and teaching aerobics in her younger years. She was skilled in a variety of crafts: ceramics, glass staining, leather stamping, and all things artsy. Whether she was driving the blue Astro van or at the center, she was always available to give advice, provide encouragement, employ the rules of lady like behavior or enforce manners. She was there. She was also known for her sense of style, loved fashion and decorating. Her community activism led her to become a member of the Glenwood and Avondale Neighborhood Associations. Her fondest times were spent with her many siblings at family functions, traveling, and shopping with her daughters. She was particularly fond of hanging out with longtime friends and Vel-vet Social Club members. Her warmth and generosity were a beacon of hope and guidance. Clareice will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. Rest in peace, Clareice “Mama Jenkins.” Your light shines on in our hearts. She was preceded in death by her mother, Alma King Norvel; stepfather, Norman Norvel Sr.; husband, Alfonso Jenkins; brothers-in-law, Edgar Montgomery Jr., and Odell Hudson Sr.; sisters-in-law, Mary Weaver and Helen Rucker; brothers, Herman Carter, Thomas Safford (Jeanette), James Safford (Alfratis); sisters, Norma Norvel, Ollie Williams, Cathy Norvel, Helen Norvel, and Dorothy Hudson. Clareice leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughters, Alesia Jenkins of Chattanooga, TN, Cassandra Jenkins Cooper (Marcus) of Nashville, TN; surrogate sons, Edward Harrison of Queens, NY and Dexter Joshen of Chattanooga, TN; siblings, Tommye Montgomery of Nashville, TN, Alma Norvel of Atlanta, GA, Norman Norvel Jr (Karin) of Asheville, NC, Emma Norvel of Syracuse, NY, Iona Putmon (Willie) of Syracuse NY; a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends. Clareice funeral service will be on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Hathaway as the eulogist. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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