Obituary
Marjorie May Ferguson Jenkins passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025. She was born July 2, 1927, on a farm outside Linn, Missouri to parents Cumberland and Hattie Ferguson.
Marjorie (Marge) got a degree in Home Economics at the University of Missouri and met her husband Gomer Jenkins, Jr, also a University of Missouri graduate in Vocational Agriculture. They were married December 23, 1949. They both taught school in Linn and Russellville, Missouri. They moved with their two children Larry and Linda to Kansas City in 1954 for Gomer (Jay) to work for the Missouri State Highway Department for 34 years. They settled in the suburb of Lee’s Summit where Deborah was born.
Marge was a homemaker, a talented baker, a substitute teacher, and a skilled seamstress. She did many things for her Lee’s Summit United Methodist Church teaching Sunday School and Bible School, leading her women’s circle and serving as officer in her larger United Methodist Women’s unit. She sewed quilts for many, delivered her chocolate chip cookies to all, made dresses to be sent to Nicaragua and Africa, and made baby layettes for the NICU. She wrote many inspirational poems to share with others and published collections of poems to give away.
Marge stayed in her home after Gomer died December 10, 2005 until moving in August 2024 to assisted care at Benton House in Blue Springs, Missouri. She leaves a legacy of many friends and family in the community and her church. She blessed all she met and will be greatly missed.
Marjorie is survived by her children Larry Jenkins and wife Pat (Houston, TX), Linda and husband Steve Cox (Independence, MO), and Debbie and husband Bert Schulte (Columbia, MO). She is also survived by her grandchildren and their families Stephanie Marker and husband Andrew, Kayla, Zack, and Abby (Blue Springs, MO), Mark Cox and wife Jennifer, Tucker and Samantha (Broomfield, CO), Lindsay Hawkins and husband Gary, Caimoni, Loralei (St Louis, MO), and Ashley McWilliams and husband George, Chloe and Micah (Olathe, KS) step-grandchildren and families John Farrell and Jennifer Walker, Harry, Jack, and Emma (Kansas City, Missouri), Mike Farrell and wife Laura and Sheridan (Celina, Texas), Chris Farrell (Fayetteville, Arkansas) and Robert, Christina, and Caroline (children of Jim and Laura Regan). She also leaves a number of beloved nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents, one sister Claudia, twin brothers Clyde and Clinton and their spouses, great-grandson Jordan, daughter-in-law Betty and step-grandchild Laura. Memorial service will be at 10:30 am Saturday, January 11, at The Summit Church, 3381 NW Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64081 with burial immediately following at Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery. Visitation will precede the memorial service beginning at 9:30 am at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions honoring Marjorie Jenkins be given to The Summit Church Memorial Fund.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee's Summit MO 64081
Services
Lee's Summit MO 64081
Linda and family, am so sad in the loss of your mom. Hope to get to service. Guess I’ve known her for around 44 years. Love you all.
Linda
So sorry for your loss. Your Mom touched so many with her gifts. I will remember her constant smile. Treasure your memories. Hugs
Sue Bowlin Stalling
Marge Jenkins was a dear friend to me and my late husband, Rev. Lee Soxman, for over 47 years. We served together in United Methodist Women. Marge set such an excellent example, especially for younger women. She was always generous with her time, talents, giving to missions and sharing her poetry and baked goods. My husband used to say that,”Marge kept her oven on preheat”, so she was ready when a request for baked goodies was made. She loved her Sarah/Esther Circle of friends, serving as leader for several years and providing cookies regularly. In 2012, Marge was named UMW Mission Woman of the Year for the Heartland District. I’m thankful to have had Marge Jenkins as a dear friend all these years. I’m glad our last words to each other were, “I love you!” And I always will! Bev Soxman
Marge was one of the most thoughtful and loving people I have ever known. She embodied what Jesus taught us- to love God and to love others. Marge enriched everyone she met in many ways including letting them know that God loved them. She is now in Heaven with God, but I for one will miss her smile, hugs and laughter.
Rest in peace dear angel!
Debbie I am so sorry for your loss. We talked of your mother often and I got to hear wonderful stories. She will be missed. Love to you and your family. Kim
Linda, Your mother was one of the most amazing women I have ever known. I still have one of her sweet poems she wrote for me over 40 years ago. My thoughts are with you and your family as you grieve and celebrate her dear life. With love and prayers, Rita
Stephanie – your grandma sounds wonderful and I am sure she will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Larry, Linda and Debbie – So sorry for your loss. Many great memories over the years. We will be keeping you all in our prayers.
We loved Marge and Central street will never be the same without her presence. Our deepest condolences to her family and many loved ones.
I think of Marge every Friday morning. Miss seeing her smiling face. She was OUR Cookie Lady! Her recipes shared with the many stylist that she came in contact with and who loved her cookies and her. I will always remember the day she took my hand and told me this is your calling. I often wondered if being a stylist was what I was really supposed to be doing? But that day she confirmed it. When my first grandson was born she made a baby quilt for him. She was always giving. She will not be forgotten.
Love Her and Miss Her
She was a gift to my life! Cookies and poetry plus kindness and support.
Our dear Aunt Marge was a source of unwavering love, support and encouragement, and a true friend to everyone she happened to meet. She touched many lives with her generosity, and delighted in giving away her delicious gourmet homemade cookies. Marge wrote many beautiful poems and I know with great certainty … she will be writing many more splendid poems in heaven.
Aunt Marge, we are selfishly very sad to see you leave this earth, but take comfort in the fact that we will see you in heaven.
Your gentle, caring and loving soul will be missed, and your cookies, yep your famous cookies! I know you are in the loving arms of your savior, Jesus Christ. Blessings to the entire family as they hold your love in their hearts.
With our deepest condolences ~
Deanna, Andrea, Mike James and Family
She was the Best! I have known Marge for over 40 years and saw how she was always willing, patient, and ready to help others. She continued to sew, bake, and write poetry that warmed our hearts for a long, long time. Her rolls and chocolate cake are two favorite recipes from the old United Methodist Women cookbook and I always tell people, “This is Marge’s recipe.” And those who knew know.
She lovingly shared experiences with her family. May those memories comfort you and give you God’s peace. She was the Best!
Larry, Linda, Debbie and family–greatest condolences. Aunt Marge was a special person and one of the warmest, kindest people I have ever known. So many fond memories of Aunt Marge from our annual holiday visits long ago–we will miss her!