Marcia Collins Jenkins

Mrs. Marcia Collins Jenkins, 69, of Elberton, died on Saturday, April 5, 2014, at her residence after an extended illness. She is survived by her loving husband and soul mate of forty-four years, John Stephen "Steve" Jenkins, Sr.; daughter, Marjorie Jenkins Moon and her husband Jeff of Elberton; sons, John Stephen Jenkins, Jr. and his fiance' Beth Seawright of Elberton, Charles James "Jim" Jenkins, II and wife Tiffany of Atlanta and William Bailey "Bill" Jenkins of Elberton; grandchildren, Connor Griffin Moon, Collin Lyle Jenkins, Bailey Watkins Jenkins, Jenkins Allen Moon, Lydia MarciaAnn Moon, Rylie Seawright, Peyton Seawright, all of Elberton and Charles James "Charlie" Jenkins, III of Atlanta; sisters, Patricia Collins Curry and Susan Collins Reidenback and her husband Fred, both of New Jersey; sister-in-law, Bonnie Collins of New York; and thirteen nieces and nephews. Also surviving are close family friends, Herschel R. Atkinson, Alice Cleveland, both of Elberton. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Charles Bertine Collins, Jr. She was born on July 13, 1944 and raised in Maplewood, New Jersey; a daughter of the late Charles Bertine Collins, Sr. and Marjorie Perine Collins. In 1978, Steve and Marcia relocated from Atlanta to Elberton where they raised their family and Marcia enjoyed a real estate career for over twenty years. She was a voracious reader, loved to entertain and cook for crowds, was always ready to help people and adored spending time with her family and friends. Known for her cheerful demeanor and positive attitude, she was an avid Elbert County Cheerleader. Joyfully juggling a husband, four busy children, and a career, she still found time to be actively involved in the community. She served through the years in various service organizations and her church, often in leadership roles. Among them were Elbert County Easter Seal Society, Chairman; Elberton Civic Leage, President and Chairman of Public Affairs where, under her leadership the first "Meet the Candidates" forum was held; Pastime Players and organizational committee for the renovation of the current theatre/arts center; American Heart Association; initial Elberton Sister City Committee; Elbert County Chamber of Commerce, board member; Literacy Co-Chairman; Annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast Co-Chair and recipient of "Booster of the Year" Award; Camp Harmony Association, board member; Elberton Housing Authority; Board of Commissioners; Elbert County Family Connection; Community Partnership of Elbert County, board chairman steering committee for "Read at Home" program; Philomathea Lodge 25, Shrinettes, President; Elberton Rotary Club, board member. She served one term as an elected school board member. Marcia loved her church, St Alban's Episcopal, where she faithfully served over the years as soloist; Episcopal Church Women; Daughters of the King; Elementary/Preschool Sunday School teacher; and for many years, lay reader, lay Eucharistic Minister, acolyte, and on the altar guild. She held the position of Assistant Secretary at the Diocese of Atlanta Annual Council Meetings for eighteen years. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, April 8, at 4:00p.m. in St. Alban's Episcopal Church. The family is at the residence, 348 Heard Street in Elberton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 109 Brookside Drive; Safe House Ministries, P.O. Box 6336, or Community Partnership of Elbert County, P.O. Box 6399, all of Elberton, Georgia 30635. Share your stories and photos in Marcia's Book of Memories at www.berryfh.com. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory, Elberton, is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Marcia Collins Jenkins.