Ms. Rose Jenkins

Obituary of Rose Jenkins

April 14, 1953 – January 26, 2025

With deep love and cherished memories, we honor the life and legacy of Rose Jenkins, a devoted educator, mentor, and beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. Rose was born on April 14, 1953, in Sarasota, Florida, to David and Hester Jenkins. Raised in a strong Pentecostal environment, she was deeply influenced by her grandparents, who served as pastors, instilling in her the values of faith, service, and education.

On January 26, 2025, Rose peacefully transitioned at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Frisco, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family.

Rose was a proud graduate of Riverview High School’s Class of 1971 in Sarasota, Florida. She pursued higher education at Florida Memorial College in Miami, where she majored in English and graduated in 1975. While at Florida Memorial, she pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in 1973, embracing a lifelong commitment to scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. She graduated summa cum laude, setting the foundation for her remarkable career in education.

Her passion for learning and teaching led her to Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, where she earned her Master’s degree in Education in 1977. She began her career as an educator in Tampa, Florida, teaching at Brandon High School before returning to Sarasota, where she dedicated decades of service to Sarasota County Schools. She concluded her distinguished career at Booker High School, where she was a beloved educator and director, leaving an enduring impact on students and colleagues alike. Rose was deeply committed to mentorship, college readiness, and empowering young minds to pursue higher education. Her purpose in life was to create a lasting legacy by shaping students’ futures through vision planning and guidance.

Following her retirement, Rose devoted her time to her beloved grandchildren and embraced life in New Jersey, Virginia, and Texas, making meaningful memories along the way.

Cherished Family and Legacy

Rose is survived by her loving children:

• Chennill Russell (Prosper, TX)
• Willie Russell (Christina) (Bridgeland, TX)
• Jillian Russell (Frisco, TX)
• Allison Russell (Wyckoff, NJ)

She is also survived by her brother, David (Gail)Jenkins of Bradenton, FL, and was preceded in passing by her beloved siblings:

• James (Barbara) Elliott
• Minnie Bryant
• Paul (Mary) Jenkins
• Walter (Charlie Mae) Jenkins
• Cheryl (Edward) Jenkins

She leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and service, cherished by nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and the many students whose futures she helped shape.

Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

“The measure of a life is not in its duration, but in its donation. Rose’s love, wisdom, and dedication to uplifting others will forever shine in the lives she touched.”