Edward Jenkins

Edward Jenkins, affectionately known as “Snoody,” was born on September 22, 1943, in

Kosciusko, Mississippi, to Gus Jenkins Sr. and Minnie Lee Jenkins. He was the second oldest of five children and incredibly close to his mother. Growing up, Edward enjoyed spending time with his siblings and making cherished memories with them. In 1950, the Jenkins family relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to begin a new chapter.

Edward received his formal education at St. Benedict High School, where he excelled in his studies and loved to learn. Even as a busy student himself, Edward often helped his younger siblings with their schoolwork and cared for them. This spirit of giving a helping hand and supporting others became a defining quality of his life.

A gifted student-athlete, Edward was a standout basketball player with a sweet jump shot and a fiercely competitive drive. Alongside his brother and teammate Frank, Edward suited up for a hard-fought matchup against crosstown rival Marquette University High School. Edward and his team pulled off an electrifying upset over the heavily favored Marquette squad. The historic victory was a monumental event in the city’s sports landscape, forever etched into history by the Milwaukee Journal that was headlined, “The Tugboat Sinks the Battleship.”

After graduating high school in 1962, Edward answered the call to service, enlisting in the United States Army on October 23, 1964. Stationed in West Germany during the height of the Cold War, he served as an Air Defense Nike-Hercules Missile Crew Member, safeguarding American allies under high-alert conditions. For his dedicated service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and a Marksman badge before being honorably discharged on October 13, 1967.

Upon returning to civilian life, fate stepped in. One day, the cool, laid-back Edward was walking back to his apartment from the grocery store when Marilynn spotted this tall, handsome man walking as she was returning home from work. She quickly approached him, said a friendly hello, and introduced herself. The short exchange quickly turned into a romance, a young love that eventually led them to tie the knot on August 9, 1969. Their union blessed them with two beautiful children, Tasha and Julius “Jay.” Edward was a fierce protector who loved his family deeply.

He balanced early family life at Patrick Cudahy before dedicating over 15 years as a dyeing machine operator at Pfister and Vogel Leather Company.

Whatever Edward put his mind to, he did to the absolute fullest including managing a girl band for a year that featured his younger sister, Dortha “Deen.” As a lifelong music lover, he always appreciated live concerts and great musical jams.

In his later years, Edward dedicated himself fully to his grandchildren, spending time caring for them, sharing his favorite stories, and being a constant, loving presence in their daily lives. He also shared a close bond with his son-in-law, Terence, which remained a source of joy, laughter, and strength for the entire family. Whether he was watching the Milwaukee Bucks, talking mess about Giannis, playing tennis and chess with his family, relaxing with his shows at home, or buying his scratch-offs, he approached every day with the same full-hearted dedication that defined his youth.

Beyond his strong work ethic, Edward was defined by his character. He was a generous man who put his family first and met life’s challenges with firm strength and genuine kindness. He was reserved and independent, yet he loved to laugh and enjoyed being with his family.

On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Edward completed his journey and transitioned into eternal rest.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Gus Sr. and Minnie Lee Jenkins, and his sister, Dortha “Deen” Jenkins.

His memory will be kept alive by his daughter, Tasha (Terence) Mallett; his son, Julius “Jay” Jenkins; his lifelong friend and former wife, Marilynn Safford-Pearson; his cherished grandchildren, Nandi Mallett, Justin (Anevia) Jenkins, Joshua Jenkins, and Nala Mallett; his great-grandchildren, Jacobii and Jelonni Jenkins; his siblings, Frank (Kathy) Jenkins, Christeen “Chris” Haynes, Gus Jenkins Jr., Sedric Jenkins, and Lashonda Foster Jenkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended relatives.

Funeral Services will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 7001 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Visitation from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM. Funeral Service at 11:00 AM.

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