Deanna "Toni" Loraine Jenkins

Deanna "Toni" Jenkins, 83, of Clarkston, Michigan, passed away on September 27, 2024. Born on July 13, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, Toni was a woman of deep faith, compassion, and creativity.

She married her beloved husband, James "Jim" Jenkins, on January 7, 1994, at Crossroads Free Will Baptist Church in White Lake, Michigan. Over the course of their 30 wonderful years together, they built a life filled with love, shared passions, and an unwavering devotion to each other.

Toni’s friends and family describe her as a beautiful soul and a woman of remarkable kindness. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a founding member of the very church where she and Jim exchanged their vows. Together, they were actively involved in Jail Ministry and Motorcycle Ministry, bringing the word of God to those who needed it most. Gospel music was a constant source of joy for Toni, filling her heart and home.

In addition to her ministry work, Toni was an incredibly talented crafter. She had a passion for knitting and crocheting, often donating her stunning handmade creations to local senior centers. She also had a unique talent for creating heartfelt, homemade cards that she shared with friends and family for every occasion. Hallmark had nothing on Toni’s personal touch.

Toni and Jim shared a love for travel, particularly by motorcycle. They rode their Harleys across the entire East Coast. Her favorite place to visit and relax was South Haven, Michigan. When they weren’t traveling, they enjoyed spending time with their dogs, attending dog shows in Detroit, and riding with their Schnauzer, Cody, who even joined them on their motorcycle adventures.

Toni is survived by her devoted husband, James Jenkins; her children, Del (Sonya) Pickard and Sherri Pickard; her step-son, Matthew Jenkins; and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thaddeus Olszewski and Genevieve Snycerski, and her daughter, Lori Zulu.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Coats Funeral Home, 3141 Sashabaw Rd., Waterford, Michigan. A funeral service will follow on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Pastor Thomas Miller will officiate the service. Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First General Baptist Church - Waterford, 2933 Frembes Rd., Waterford Township, MI 48329.

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