Mary "Maggie" Jenkins

Mary Magdalene “Maggie” (Taylor) Jenkins, 96, of Lincoln Boro, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Canterbury Place, Pittsburgh, PA after a lengthy illness. Born July 6, 1922, in Monongahela, PA, she was the daughter of the late Alberta G. Saunders Taylor Morris D. Taylor. Growing up in Monongahela, “Maggie” had a zest for life and cultivated many friends some of whom became life-long colleagues. Two of those dear friends Amy Brown and Gwendolyn Simmons were on hand recently as she celebrated her 90th birthday. When asked about her home town, “Maggie” always spoke fondly of Monongahela and in particular of her family home on 6th Street. Her immediate neighborhood was also where she and her family worshipped at the Second Baptist Church. A 1940 graduate of Monongahela High School “Maggie” married her teenage sweetheart, Roy in December of 1940. This loving union was to last 64 years and to which were born five (5) children. Following their marriage, she and husband Roy, relocated to Roy’s hometown of McKeesport, PA where they began to raise their family. As church was always an important part of her life, “Maggie” became a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church at its former location at ______ Walnut Street. As a member of the church she volunteered on the Hospitality Committee and for the Food Bank. She remained a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church as many pastors transitioned through, supporting and loving them all, but none as dearly as current Pastor, The Rev. Earlene Coleman. Rev Coleman often tells how as a young girl (and dear friend of “Maggie’s “ daughter, Lois), she spent so much time at the Jenkins’ house that Roy Jr. used to ask her, “Don’t you have a home”? “Maggie” and Roy raised their children among many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family in the very close knit Third Ward neighborhood. While the children played “Maggie” and her sisters-in-law could be found on one porch or another catching up on the latest news – not gossip mind you. Perhaps this was when “Maggie” first coined one of her favorite expressions “I don’t ask anything, if THEY want to tell me something, THEY will”. While raising her family “Maggie” was also a tireless worker at the McKeesport Hospital. Over the years “Maggie” was employed in the Central Supply Department, Pediatric Unit and in the original Hospital Clinic (with renowned physician, the late Dr. Melvin Hadley). She retired after 30 years of faithful service. During her employment she was an active member of the Teamsters Union 205, attending many meetings and social functions they sponsored. For leisure and enjoyment she enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, going to Bingo, crocheting, enjoying family and friends on Gateway Clipper boat trips and in later years watching vintage westerns that she referred to as her “cowboys” on TV. Nothing made her happier than cooking for and spending time with her family and friends “Out in the Country”. Affectionately called “Mag Wheels” by her Grandchildren, all will miss going to “Grandma Maggie’s” for a delicious meal, anytime and all of the time. We will also miss hearing her say in times of trouble, “I have a private pipeline to the Man Upstairs”. Maggie loved her family unconditionally and was a nurturer to family and friends alike. Despite being small in stature, she actually was the strong force behind husband “Big Roy” or “Fat Daddy” as he was affectionately called by many. Over the years, “Maggie” was a tireless caretaker to Roy during his health concerns. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Roy F. Jenkins, Sr. of McKeesport. PA; one step sister, Ethel Smith (Ed) of Cleveland, Ohio and one son, David M Jenkins, Sr. of McKeesport. She leaves to cherish her memory: children Yvette M. Jenkins Pettiford of McKeesport, Roy F. Jenkins, Jr. (Norine Anise) of White Oak, Lois J. Jenkins Leggett (Eric) of McKeesport and Kevin L. Jenkins (Christina) of Sewickley, PA; daughter-in-law, Patricia Powell Jenkins of Jefferson Hills, PA; 16 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; 36 great-great grandchildren and three former sisters-in-law, Laura Jenkins of McKeesport, Mary Jeanette Jenkins Hill of Charlotte, NC and Violet Jenkins Sims of White Oak. As Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother she will always be in our hearts.

Tributes

Mary "Maggie" Jenkins

July 6, 1922 - March 11, 2019