Olivia Jenkins

Olivia (nee Peeples) Jenkins was born to the union of the late Earl and Mattie L. (nee Sherrer) Peeples in Plantersville, AL, on August 27, 1944. She departed this earthly life on Friday, November 10, 2023.

Shortly after relocating to Cincinnati, Ohio, Olivia confessed her faith to Christ in 1956 at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. J.M. Stephens. She was educated through both the Bronx, NY, and Cincinnati Public School systems, graduating from Robert A. Taft High School in the West End area of downtown Cincinnati in 1962. Olivia later attended the Cincinnati State School of Nursing, becoming a nurse. Olivia worked as an Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal specialist and retired from the University of Cincinnati Hospital/The Institute of Digestive Diseases. Eventually Olivia would re-enter the workforce retiring from the Pleasant Ridge Healthcare Center.

Olivia, affectionately known as “Toot”, united in holy matrimony with Jesse Jenkins on September 12, 1964. Olivia and Jesse recently celebrated their 59^th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends. Though she was a nurse by profession, her skill set reached far beyond nursing. Olivia was a skilled seamstress; she hosted several fashion shows. She had a love for interior design, travel and hosting special events. Christmas, by far, was her favorite holiday; every year hosting an elaborate Christmas celebration. She was known for her distinct style, especially her hats, where she once featured in CROWNS Portrait of Black Women in church hats at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Olivia leaves cherished memories with her husband, Jesse Jenkins; four sons, Murwin (Marcy) Dooley, Thomas (LaToya) Jenkins, Jesse (LaKisha) Jenkins Jr., all of Cincinnati, OH and Anthony (Joan-Marie) Jenkins of Atlanta, GA.; two sisters, Diane Joyce Peeples of Cincinnati, OH and Kathleen Peeples of Bronx, NY; four grandchildren, Brittney (Nigel) Finnell, Kirah, Mariah, and Jesse Jenkins; two great-grandchildren, William and Berlynn Finnell; a very dear cousin, Dr. Barbara Fowler; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family would love to acknowledge Olivia’s special relationships in her late challenges, that not only served as relatives but confidants that includes: the Steagall family; daughter-in-law Lakisha North-Jenkins; niece Gail Peeples-Nelms; sister Diane Joyce Peeples; Dr. Barbara Fowler; and finally road buddy and granddaughter Kirah Jenkins.

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