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Tillman Jenkins Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin, Neighbor, Advisor, Friend, Car Enthusiast, Entrepreneur, Community Pillar and much more to so many.
Tillman was born February 16, 1935 in Cerro Gordo, North Carolina, son of the late Lynwood Jenkins and Sallie Gerald-Jenkins. He quietly transitioned into eternal rest on November 2, 2021 with his loving family by his side.
A Time to Love
Tillman was joined in holy matrimony to Mrs. Vernell Jenkins (Little) July 6,1967
A Time to Serve
After graduating from Westside High School in Chadbourn, NC, class of 1954, Tillman joined the United States Air Force in October of 1954. He served for 4 years in the Air Force as a Security Forces Airman. He was assigned to the England Royal Air Force, Mildenhall Air Force Base in Mildenhall, United Kingdom, where he performed military duties.
He joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church in the mid nineteen sixties, where he remained a member until his health issues prevented him from being active. He continued to watch service weekly on Facebook and prayed often for his church and church family.
A Time to Live
After his honorable discharge from the military he attended Fayetteville State University where he majored in Auto Mechanics. He was a member of the Veterans Club, Day Student Association, Alumni Dormitory Association and Future Business Leaders Association. He graduated in 1961. He moved to Boston in 1964 where he started his career at M&H Auto Body in Allston, MA. Tillman was ambitious and dreamed of opening his own business.
In 1981 he opened “TJ Auto Body”. He worked his magic on many cars. He had several customers that eventually became lifelong friends. His loving, fun personality attracted many people to visit him in his garage that became a neighborhood staple for advice, laughter and kindness. He decided to expand, so he established another business “TJ Snow Removal” where he would plow what he called “white gold” during the winter months around the city of Boston.
Tillman was a car enthusiast, there was no car he did not find fascinating. Gardening was another interest. Each summer he’d tend to his hydrangeas, collards, tomatoes and swiss chard, his favorites. His hydrangea arrangements were a must have after visits to Nana and Pop-Pops. Another past time included thrift shopping at Goodwill Industries what he called “Morgies”. He was an original thrifter before its popularity. His finds were the most beautiful treasures, some of which being furniture, clothes, vases and art. He turned everything he found into a precious masterpiece. He was full of creativity, talent and most of all love.
He loved spending time with family, sitting back and watching everyone have a good time. Pop-Pops steak and shrimp were his special dishes and a requirement for family gatherings. He was affectionately called Pop Pop by his grandchildren.
He loved his family and they loved him dearly. He was a great man and the best father ever.
Associations
He entered Prince Hall Masonry Castle Williams Lodge # 11 May 18, 1978, traveled to the Royal Arch, then the Consistory where he obtained the Degree of Sublime Prince, the 32nd Degree In Prince Hall Masonry.
He later traveled to the Ancient Egyptian Arabic to be accepted and Created a Noble of the Mystic Shriners at Syria Temple #33 in Dorchester.
Legacy
He will be truly missed but never forgotten. His legacy will live on in those who cherish his precious memories.
His loving wife of 56 years Vernell Jenkins (Little)
Children:
Rosalyn Little - Somerset NJ, Terrace Jenkins (Lillian) - Alexandria VA, Lynwood Jenkins - (Family Home) Roxbury MA, Michael Jenkins - Brockton MA, Rochelle Bostick - Brockton MA, Teila Ritter- Baltimore MD, Niece-Daughter Saundra Owens-Skerrett (James) - Boston MA
Sisters:
Pansy Janet Vaught - Richmond VA, Brenda McNeil (Halbert ) - Kannapolis NC
Grandchildren:
Tabitha, Chinor (Cynthia), Michele, Isaac, Dameon, Mykel, Simone, Bianca, Danielle, Elijah, Taylor, Jorden, Alima, Farhana
Great-Grandchildren:
Aja, Chinor II, Zacharias, Cayla, Ariyah, Immanuel, Mykel, Myles, DeAngelo, Christopher
Great,-Great-Grandchild:
Ian
Numerous and All special:
Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends, Church family and Neighbors
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