For years, Maxine Turner Jenkins was a major part in the beginnings and endings of Richmond residents’ lives. Through her career in education and decades working in the funeral business, Maxine Turner Jenkins occupied a unique place in Richmond, touching many lives before her death on June 26 at age of 85.

Born in Richmond on Dec. 7, 1939, Jenkins earned her teaching degree after graduating from Hampton University, then known as Hampton Institute. She began her career in South Hill before returning to Richmond, where she taught for several years at schools including Armstrong High School, Huguenot High School and Maggie Walker High School.

Jonathan Bibbs, an education advocate and former Richmond Prep CEO, remembers Jenkins as a “consummate professional” whose style and classroom management taught excellence by example and as someone who expected the same from her students.

“She is a dear part of memories of high school,” Bibbs said. “I pray that her memory and her legacy will continuously be a blessing to her family, her friends and students who were blessed to learn from her.”

In 1991, Jenkins embraced a new role when she and her husband, Joseph Jenkins Jr., purchased the business that became Jenkins Funeral Home. Though she eventually retired from teaching, she remained involved in the funeral home’s operations as its owner until her death.

Outside of her educational and funeral work, Jenkins was also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church.

She is remembered by her family, friends and former students as a positive teaching influence, a  devoted churchgoer and a loving grandmother.

Jenkins was preceded in death by her parents, one sibling and her husband. She is survived by sons Joseph Jenkins III and Jason Jenkins, brother Alvin C. Turner Jr., granddaughters Sydney, Maya and Maisen Jenkins, sisters-in-law Barbara McPhail and Caroline Arrington, and other relatives and friends.

Jenkins’ life was honored Wednesday evening by an “Ivy Beyond the Wall” ceremony hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha at Jenkins Funeral Home, followed by a visitation. A funeral will be held Thursday, July 3, at noon in Fifth Baptist Church at 1415 W. Cary St.