Merland Jenkins, Jr.

                                 "Jo Boy" - "Pops" - "Mack"

On Saturday, August 19th, 2023 our dear Merland Jenkins, Jr. departed this earthly life and transitioned to his heavenly home with family and loved ones by his bedside.

Merland was born October 3rd, 1950 in Galveston, TX at St. Mary’s Hospital to his parents Lucille Collins and Merland Jenkins, Sr.

He was raised and cared for by his mother, Alice Lee Smith Jenkins and father, Merland Jenkins, Sr.  Merland attended school in Dickinson, TX while getting his education he perfected his love for singing and playing the guitar by performing in many talent shows.  Merland won numerous trophies and gained an audience for a lifetime.  He was the founding member of “The Soul Packers” and continued performing in many other bands around the Galveston County area.

Merland was not just a performer but he was a  multi-skilled construction driver.   After receiving his CDL's he started a career in truck driving working many years with Dorsett Brothers and Kelso Trucking Co.

Anyone who knew (Jo Boy, Pops, or Mack) knew he was always ready for a (cold one) dominoes and some good ole music like Albert King, Otis Rush, BB King, and James Brown those were some of his favorites.  Mack never met a stranger or backed down from having a nice time with family or friends.  After living and enjoying life the way he wanted. JoBoy accepted the love and fellowship at True Missionary Baptist church under the pastoral care of Pastor Johnny L. Grimes.

Merland is preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Ann Mc Donald Jenkins; son Anthony De Aundre Washington Jenkins; parents, Lucille Collins, Alice Lee and Merland Jenkins; devoted grandmother, Ora Lee Jordan “Granny”; brothers, Chester Wales, Felix Jenkins, Eugene Collins, Prescott Jenkins; sisters, Shelia E. Jenkins and Marie Collins; and many other family members who have passed on to eternal life.

JoBoy leaves lots of love and memories with his sons, De Shawn Jenkins, De Quan Jenkins, Tyrone Lee Jenkins; sister, Kimberly K. Jenkins; brothers, Juarez Warren Jenkins (Florence), Johnny L. Jenkins (Jamesetta), Lawrence “Kent” Jenkins (LuLa), Michael Gilbert (Debra); Aunts & uncle, Charlie Mae Green, Irene Goffney, Annette & Morris Jenkins, Roberta Jenkins, Ruby Jenkins and Jean Jenkins; devoted niece, Jametra Jenkins (Carlos) and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and classmates.

The family would like to thank the Jenkins Family and Friends for coming together to help make this celebration of life complete.

Extended thanks to the Utmb oncology department. Dr. Chen and Nguyen all nursing staff with Heart to Heart Hospice care. A special thanks to A Psalms of Life Dorthea, Delece and staff. Thanks for the prayers, calls, food, cards and visits. To the Truth MBC family thank you for always making sure Jo Boy-Pops-Mack had a way to Sunday morning worship.

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