There are condolences waiting approval on Cecil's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Cecil G. Jenkins
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Cecil.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Cecil G. Jenkins
Cecil G. Jenkins was born in Burkburnett, Texas on September 7, 1928 to J. Cecil and Thelma Jenkins. When he was five years old, the family moved to Mississippi where he attended Jackson Public Schools, graduating from Central High School in 1947 and then Millsaps College in 1951. He then attended Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, graduating with MD degree in 1955. Cecil completed his Medical Internship at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN and a year of Pediatric Residency at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis. After serving 2 years as Captain in the Army Medical Corps in Fort Bragg, NC, he returned to Memphis to complete Pediatric Residency. He served as Chief Pediatric Resident at Frank T. Tobey Children's Hospital, which was part of the John Gaston City Hospital. Dr. Jenkins opened his solo private Pediatrics practice in 1960 in Jackson, MS. He was a Fellow of the American Board of Pediatrics and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the MS chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics, and the Central MS Pediatric Society. In 1988 he left private practice to join the MS Health Department where he served as Senior Physician for 7 years before joining the faculty of the University Medical Center as Associate Professor of Pediatrics. He was instrumental in establishing a working relationship between the Health Department and UMC’s outpatient pediatric clinic, making those services more widely available in the Jackson metropolitan area. He attended St. James Episcopal Church where he served as a Vestry Member, Junior and later Senior Warden, and a licensed Lay Reader and Chalice Bearer. He was a founder of the Jackson Choral Society, which provided nonprofessional singers an opportunity to perform major choral works. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Stewpot Community Services. His hobbies were fishing and swimming, and he particularly enjoyed being a member of a group of senior men swimmers who called themselves the Aqua Codgers. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marilyn Blakewood, and daughter-in-law Abbey Stimpson. He is survived by his wife, the former Patsy Abernethy of Ridgeland, MS and 4 children: Stacy Jenkins (Kay Lynn), Steven Jenkins (Diane Wiltshire), Carla Hobbs (Dan) and Celia Jenkins (Jim Wagner). His 4 grandchildren are Carleen Johnson (Josh), Rachel Keng (Josh Woodall), Colin Jenkins, and Austin Jenkins (Abby). Great grandchildren include John Nichols, Joseph, and Emma Johnson. He is also survived by sister Susie Baltz of Jackson and brother Spencer Jenkins of New Orleans.
Memorials are requested for Stewpot Community Services, Habitat for Humanity, St. James Episcopal Church or a charity of your choice.
His ashes will be interred in a private ceremony at St James Episcopal Church. It is hoped that there will be a public celebration of Cecil's life in the future.
.jpg)