Mrs. Arlene L. Jenkins

Arlene L. Jenkins was born on April 28, 1938, to the late Percy and Lottie Behling in Smoaks, South Carolina where she attended Simmons Johnsville School from kindergarten to the sixth grade. Sadly, tragedy struck the family when a suspicious fire was set on their home during the night. She attempted to save her younger brother, William “Bubba” Marshall but was unsuccessful. William and her father, Percy, perished in the fire. In retaliation for an earlier incident with her father, it was rumored the fire was started by a local white supremacist group. Arlene sustained first and second-degree burns throughout her entire body. Due to her extensive injuries, Arlene was brought to New York City to receive specialized medical treatment and was independently taught during her middle school years. She became a voracious reader to pass the time while receiving care. After successfully recovering from her injuries, she attended the well-respected Girls High School in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated in June 1957 excelling in English and bookkeeping. Arlene refused to harbor hate towards those who caused her circumstances but instead chose to walk in love and grace toward everyone. On May 16, 1959, Arlene married John Jenkins in Brooklyn, New York with her mother and sister Ruby as witnesses. Unfortunately, a few years later, they separated, and John passed away in December 1973. Arlene found love again with her best friend and life partner, Pat Mitchell who preceded her in death on November 1, 2017. With an interest in clothing wholesales, she embarked on a career as a children’s sales representative working with department stores on behalf of a major clothing company. In 1966, she switched careers to finance and was hired immediately by Chase Manhattan Bank. Beginning in the banking profession as an expeditor, her penchant for numbers and excellent work performance fueled her rapid rise. Arlene was selected by upper management to participate in Chase’s first code training classes and as a result, became the first African American woman to code checks for their main branch. Arlene retired in 1995 as a supervisor in the Encoding Department with thirty-one years of service. During her teenage years, Arlene joined the family church of Behlin Holy Temple COGIC with her uncle Bishop James J. Behlin as Senior Pastor. Now under the leadership of Bishop James Jones, Sr., her nephew, the church is known as Divine Destiny Cathedral where she served as a Trustee and a Mother of the Church. On Wednesday, May 4, 2022, Arlene was called home to rest. Our beloved, Aunt Babe, was loved dearly by everyone who crossed her path. Her kind spirit, a listening ear, and compassionate heart will be missed by all. All her siblings, Jack, Dorothy, Don, Percy, Mary, Lou Ethel, Dean, Ruby, Roland, Benny, and William Marshall have preceded her in death and are now reunited again. She leaves to cherish and remember her nephew/spiritual son, Leonard Davis; Goddaughter, LaToya Vega; and a host of nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, spiritual children, best girlfriends, and extended family.

Mrs. Arlene L. Jenkins

April 28, 1938 - May 4, 2022