DATE: Tuesday, June 24, 1997                TAG: 9706240229

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B6   EDITION: FINAL 

DATELINE: NORFOLK                           LENGTH:   46 lines

FLORENCE E. JENKINS

Florence E. Jenkins, the founder and owner of Jenkins Barber College, departed this life Saturday, June 21. She was a resident of the 6200 block of Sedgefield Drive.

A native of Ayden, N.C., Mrs. Jenkins received her early education in the Ayden School System, graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and attended Norfolk State University.

Mrs. Jenkins was one of the first African American female barbers and certified barber teachers in the city of Norfolk. She began teaching barbering in the early 1960s at Community Barber Shop in Chesapeake and later moved to Jenkins Barber College in Norfolk. As a devoted teacher, she prepared her students not only with barbering skills, but nurtured them to become both professionals and entrepreneurs. The accomplishments of her students is a testimonial for her success as a teacher and mentor. She was also well-known as the owner of Florence's Barber Shop, located on Olney Road.

For many years, Mrs. Jenkins was a member of the Tidewater Area Business League. She held the position of treasurer of the executive board. As an outstanding barber teacher, she was appointed to the committee to construct tests for barbers in the State of Virginia.

Through the years, she was a loyal and active member of St. Thomas AME Zion Church, serving as class leader, vice president of the Number 2 Choir, Sunday school teacher, treasurer of the Hospitality Club and a vacation Bible school teacher.

Left to mourn her departure are her husband, Overton S. Jenkins; her son, Troy D. Jenkins; her daughter-in-law, Shirley G. Jenkins; her granddaughter, Vonya Jenkins; her grandson, Ryan Jenkins, all of Norfolk; and her brother, Pink Brooks Jr. of Baltimore; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

The funeral will be conducted at noon Thursday at St. Thomas AME Zion Church by the Rev. G.L. Scott. Interment will be in Roosevelt Memorial Gardens. Family and friends will meet at the residence at 11:15 a.m.

A wake will be held Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in Metropolitan Funeral Home. The family also will receive friends at the residence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Thomas AME Zion Church Building Fund, 1700 Melon St., Norfolk, Va. 23523. Viewing will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the church. ILLUSTRATION: Photo KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY

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