Earnest Jenkins was born in Sumter, South Carolina on June 23, 1935 to the late Walter and Anna Jenkins Scrivans. He was raised by his grandparents, the late Reverend Linny and Alice Jenkins.

He was educated in the Sumter Public School system. Earnest met and married the love of his life the late Lula Mae Mahoney Jenkins, their union was blessed with 6 daughters, and 2 sons.

Knowing that life journey would be tedious, he made the decision at a young age to walk with Jesus. Through his trails and tribulations, while the storms of life would rage, he knew he needed Jesus to walk with him. And even as a child he understood that in his troubles, Jesus would hold him and let him know everything was alright. Therefore, he accepted Christ as his Savior and joined Joshua Missionary Baptist Church. Earnest, retired from Cooper Industries where he was employed for more than 30 years.

Earnest leaves behind so many that cherished his memories and are grateful to have shared his life: six daughters; Mary Alice (James) Barno, Ernestine (Robert) Hunter, Barbara (Michael) Abrams, Lula J. Dawson, Harold Dawson, Fannie (Melvin) McLeod, all of Sumter, SC, and Mary Ann Jenkins, Alexandria VA. A brother-in-law; James (Katie) Mahoney of Sumter SC, three sisters-in-law; Johnnie Mae Mahoney of Sumter, SC and Esther (Billy) Rogers of Upper Marlboro, MD and Lucille Mahoney of Washington, DC. Nine grandchildren; DeWayne Hunter, Rodney (Courtney) Hunter, Marcus Abrams, Maurice (Tyranika) Abrams, Matthew (Kimberly) Amos, Tamisha Dawson, Bruce (Danielle) Dawson, Myeisha McLeod, Melvin T. Mcleod and three great grandchildren; Deshawn Gantt, Ryhan and Raiya Abrams, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Robert Samuel Jenkins and Joseph Franklin McLeod, three sisters; Gloria Richardson, Marie Scrivans and Marie Dorsey one brother; Robert Scrivans.

Public viewing will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2021 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.

Funeral Services will be held at 2pm on Monday, October 18, 2021 at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center, 101 South Salem Avenue, Sumter, SC 29150, with Rev. Eugene Dennis, Eulogist and Rev. Williams Jefferson Officiating.

Interment will follow in Joshua Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Family will receive friends at the home of his daughter, 4555 Cotton Acres Road, Sumter, SC 29153.

Job's Mortuary, Inc., 312 S. Main Street is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at: jobsmortuaryinc@gmail.com or visit us on the web at: www.jobsmortuary.net.