Tammy Jenkins

Tammy Michelle Jenkins, affectionately known as Tammy J, was born on December 18, 1963, in South Bend, Indiana to the union of Charles and Ida Jenkins. She was the baby of 7 children. Tammy was born with cerebral palsy and paralysis of her left side. 'Man' said she would not see 18 years of age yet we have gathered to celebrate her life of 59 years. Her parents were told she would never walk, yet she did walk. Tammy wore braces on both legs for many years. Her parents and all of her siblings exercised her legs daily in hopes that she would walk, and that, she did. They were told she'd never talk, yet she talked, and very well. Tammy went to school at O'brien Elementary until the age of 18, when she graduated. She then began going to Logan Center for disabled and mentally challenged individuals. She continued at Logan until 1998. In 1997, after the death of her mother, Tammy was placed in the care of her older sister, Velvetta Jenkins. 

After almost 20 years, and relocating to Indianapolis, IN., in 2015, Velvetta made the very hard decision to place Tammy in group home living. There, she had 24 hour care and for the first time was able to live on her own. Tammy blossomed having experienced care from her staff, who all fell in love with her. She had also began going to a day program again where she learned and socialized more. Tammy lived a full life of laughter, and kindness.  She loved on her loved ones, especially her dolly. She loved listening to music and her most favorite thing in life was watching the Golden Girls. She absolutely adored the character, Rose. Tammy enjoyed people. She liked to give out the biggest hugs and kisses. She loved saying "Velvetta", and greeting people with " hey gal". You would often hear say " oh my God, hey you, love you and, okaayyy". Tammy was also very polite saying "thank you" and "excuse me". She was a magnet of love and joy because to meet her, you'd fall in love with her. Tammy had an open heart and mind. If you ever spent time with her, you were loved on and you laughed out loud because Tammy was so funny. She gave the best back rubs ever. Visiting Tammy was always a  pleasure. She would welcome you in like you were a celebrity but look at you after awhile as to ask, "why are you still here?" She loved her house, however, on September 20th, 2023, God called his angel home. 

Tammy leaves to cherish her memory, 3 sisters and 3 brothers. Anna Fergerson, Alfreda Jenkins, Charles Jr.(Ramona), Trigvree Jenkins, Velvetta Jenkins, and Hiawatha Jenkins. 10 nieces and nephews, Gazelle Jenkins, Antoinette Fergerson, Twilah (Robert Sr.) Debose, Sherrika Taylor, Lamar (Rhonda) Jenkins, Ambrose (Sabrina) Jenkins, Prince (Faren) White, Simone Jenkins, Uriah (Chiante) Taylor, Jacob (Victoria) Watts-Jenkins, 18 great-nieces and nephews, 2 great, great nephews, special caregivers, Charmaine Singleton, Marlanea Matthews, Kiah Conway, Christopher Plew, and Mrs.Tanya Davis, a special godmother, Essie Miller, special friends, Stella Mcconnell, Christine Clark, and Sue James, and a host of cousins who loved her dearly. 

Tammy is preceded in death by her parents, Charles Jenkins Sr. and Ida M. Jenkins.

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