Charles Jenkins

A Son, Brother, Husband, Uncle, Friend, and a pillar in his community has elevated from labor to reward. On Friday, November 17, 2023, the Lord spoke, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” and Charles answered the call.

Charles Reginald Jenkins, also known by family and childhood friends as “Joe Joe”, was born 86 years ago December 17, 1936, in Washington, DC to the late Gertrude M. Ward and Robert Quander Jenkins Sr. He was the youngest of 6. Charles was loved and cherished by his family.

Charles was publicly educated in Garrison elementary, Shaw Junior High School, and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1955, Washington, DC. After high school, he joined the US Army and was station in Germany and after honorable discharge, he served as a civilian in the Department of Defense in Germany for over 50 years. After retirement, he moved back to the US and ultimately settled in Odenton, MD.

In 1963, Charles became a Prince Hall Master Mason in Stuttgart, Germany joining Stuttgart Military Lodge #581, Jurisdiction of Georgia. He is a Past Master of Stuttgart Military Lodge # 581, Past District Grand Lecturer, and a Lifetime Member. Charles was instrumental in keeping King Solomon Military Lodge #146, Oklahoma Jurisdiction, as a Class A Lodge in District Eight for many years. Based on his efforts he received the title of Honorary Past Grand Master in September 1987. From the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Oklahoma Jurisdiction, Grand Master Deary Vaughn. In June 1975, he was advanced to a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secrets in Prince Hall Military Consistory #304. In 1976, he became a chartered member of Donald H. Coleman Consistory # 329. In 1981, he was elevated to the Thirty-third and last degree in Masonry. In June 1975, he was created a Noble in ASWAN Temple #115. In 1976, Charles became a chartered member of FAISAL Temple #192. He proudly served FAISAL Temple # 192 and the Desert of Western Europe. He is an Honorary Past Imperial Potentate of the Imperial Council

Charles was a sports advocate, he continued to love following all sports throughout his life. You could find him watching “the game” on TV or talking with his many friends at any time of the day or night. Two things he always did with all family and friends he communicated with, whenever you talked with him on the phone, he always ended with “out here” and whenever you visited with him in person, he always requested that you call him when you arrived home to let him know you arrived safely. Charles will truly be missed; he touched many hearts, and nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much.

After a blessed life of 86 years, Charles answered his Master’s call, and accepted his heavenly wings to join his parents Gertrude M. Ward and Robert Quander Jenkins Sr., his wife Gerdi, his 5 siblings and their spouses, Eris (Fleming) Holmes, Berline (Laurence) Norris, Shirlee (Walter) Craig, Robert (Shirley) Jenkins, Jean (Joe) Favoris, and niece Sheila (Thomas) Jackson.

Charles’s love and fun memories will always be cherished by his nieces, Katrina Peters, MD, Rene Norris, and Jeanell Favoris, nephews, Robert (Claire) Jenkins, Reginald (Helen) Jenkins, Laurence (Evelyn) Norris, and Joe Favoris, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.