Igene Taylor Jenkins

Igene Jenkins, a beloved mother, spiritual matriarch, and faithful servant of God, peacefully entered eternal rest on January 13, 2026. She was born on March 16, 1930, to the late Joe J. Taylor and Mary L. (Turner) Taylor, and was raised with values of faith, perseverance, and strength that guided her throughout her life.

Igene received her formal education through the sixth grade, yet she was a lifelong learner whose wisdom extended far beyond the classroom. She later married Sevier Jenkins, and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and devotion to family and church.

Known for her spunky personality, gene brought joy and warmth wherever she went. She had a deep love for planting flowers, especially roses, finding beauty and peace in nurturing life from the soil. Her home and surroundings reflected her care, patience, and appreciation for God’s creation.

A devoted member of the Church of God in Christ, Igene served faithfully as a licensed missionary and Sunday School Superintendent, roles she carried with honor and dedication. She was a true student of the Bible, spending countless hours studying God’s Word. Gifted by God, she was known for her prophetic dreams, which she shared with humility and reverence. She was also a self-taught pianist, using music as another way to glorify God and uplift others.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Leona Marie Jenkins Shelton; her two nieces whom she raised from infancy and calls her bonus daughters: Vicky and Angilynn Taylor; her bonus son, Pastor R. Jacob Bedford (Rachael Marie Bedford); her brother-in-law Mr. Odell Jenkins; her grandsons: W. Vadol Miller Jr., R. Jacob Bedford Jr, and Andrew Jacob Bedford, and a host of other family and close friends.

Igene Jenkins will be remembered as a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and joyful spirit. Her legacy of service, prayer, and unwavering trust in God will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Visitation
Friday, January 23, 2026
12:00PM – 5:00PM
Hicks Funeral Home
407 S. Hazel Street
PO Box 548
Hope, AR 71801

Viewing will take place one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1:30 P.M.
Homegoing Celebration
Saturday, January 24, 2026
2:30PM
Hicks Funeral Home
407 S. Hazel Street
PO Box 548
Hope, AR 71801

Final Resting Place
Scott Memorial Gardens
Highway 67
Perrytown, AR 71801