Lawrence Jenkins

Lawrence "Larry" was born on August 31, 1948 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to James and Lorraine Jenkins. Larry attended White Rock Baptist Church where he accepted Christ at an early age. He was a faithful member at White Rock as a child and served on the junior usher board committee. He attended West Philadelphia High School where he played basketball and soccer. Larry continued his education at South Carolina State University before being drafted by the Army. Larry served his country for 2 years in Vietnam where he received The Purple Heart. After his tour of duty, he moved to Palm Springs in 1970. He furthered his education at College of the Desert where he was a celebrated athlete. He was known for being a strategic, intelligent basketball player. His position was guard in both high school and college.

Larry loved to sing, dance and play the keyboard. He loved music and had a beautiful voice. As a teenager, he formed a singing group called the Emagons (nogames spelled backwards) who were scouted by agents from Motown. In his later years while attending College of the Desert (COD) he formed another vocal group and performed on COD campus.

Larry's first-born son is Laurence J. Jenkins. It was while attending College of the Desert that he met his wife, Gracie Marilyn Rougely. Gracie and Larry were married in 1973 and unfortunately divorced in 1983. After over 30 years, they remarried in 2014. This was an answered prayer for both Larry and Gracie. A restoration of the marriage she never wanted to end. To this union was born their son, Ortege L. Jenkins. He shared a special bond with his sons and grandson, Ortege L. Jenkins Jr.

Larry was employed by Verizon (GTE) Communications from more than 15 years as a splicer. He then relocated to New Jersey where he worked in security at Bally's Casino in Atlantic City. He retired from Bally's after 20 years of service and relocated to Durham North Carolina where he resided for several years. Larry returned to California in 2014 with the sole purpose of remarrying Gracie aka Marilyn. Larry was a member of Calvary Christian Center in Cathedral City. He and Gracie served on the Leadership Team assisting the Pastors and as Praise Team Leaders. Larry was also the keyboardist and actively supported the Church Outreach ministries as well as fundraisers for the Men's and Women's Transitional Homes.

Larry was preceded in death by his grandmother, Octavia Clark; father, James A. Jenkins Sr.; brother, James A. Jenkins Jr.; and nephew, Terrance Jenkins. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Gracie; sons, Laurence and Ortege (Nihaila); mother, Lorraine C. Jenkins; sisters, Debra Jenkins, Lorraine D. Jenkins, and Cheryl Witherspoon (Barry); grandchildren, Janae Hack, Tyler Hinson, and Ortege L. Jenkins Jr.; Nieces, Anjanete Stark (Reginald), Kimberly Jenkins, April Marable (Reginald), Danielle Thompson (James); nephew, Darryl Blaze (Marline) as well as a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We all love Larry, but Jesus loves him best. He will be greatly missed.

A Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 9:30 am at Calvary Christian Center in Cathedral City with interment to follow at Riverside National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Cathedral City.