Thaddeus E. Jenkins, affectionately known as “Thad”, was born in Branchville, South Carolina on March
12, 1929 to the late Ramsey Jenkins and Idella Adams Jenkins. Ten children were born to this union and
they lived in a Christian and loving home.
At an early age Thad and his family moved to Brooklyn, New York. Even though he was the 2nd youngest
child, he had to work along with his siblings to provide for his large family. He attended public school
and in 1948 graduated from Metropolitan Vocational High School in Manhattan. After graduation, he
was employed with Lady Renlyn Manufacturing Company as a foreman for many years which made
women wear.
He knew that one day he had to meet God for himself. He joined Mount Olive Baptist Church in Brooklyn
under the leadership of the late Rev. R.D. Brown. He was a faithful member to his pastor.
In 1949 Thad was joined in marriage to Thelma T. Miles. To their union, Teresa Paulette, and Thaddeus
Jr. were born. In 1967 Thaddeus and his family moved to Montclair, New Jersey where he attended
several churches. In 1999, he joined Christ Church under the leadership of Rev. David Ireland, PhD
Senior Pastor. He attended church faithfully and was a member of the Greeter’s Ministry, Men’s Prayer
Group, and Bible Study Groups until his walking began to decline. He also was a Boy Scout Troop Leader
in Montclair and worked at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford.
Thad enjoyed life. He loved gatherings with relatives and friends. He especially loved going on summer
vacations with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was an excellent provider to his family. After a
courageous battle against a variety of illnesses the past month, he departed this life at home on
Saturday, January 21, 2023. May he rest in peace.
Thad leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 73 years, Thelma Jenkins; his beloved daughter
Teresa Paulette and her husband Alex Dobie, and son Thaddeus E. Jr. and his wife Kim; three grandchildren, Makaiyah and her husband Dorian Moore Sr., Kyle, and Nelson; and three great grandchildren, Kahleeb, Dorian Jr., and Micah.
Also cherishing his memory, two sisters-n-law, Dorothy Smith of Bloomfield, and Sadie Walker of
Rutherford; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be dearly missed.
“A man of honor, a legacy to his family”