Albert Leon Jenkins

Albert Leon Jenkins, Sr. was born on May 7, 1930, in Givhans, South Carolina, to Elijah and Mary (Hopkins) Jenkins. He was the youngest of eight children and learned the value of hard work at an early age, working as a sharecropper from the age of 13 until 18.

In 1948, Albert left home and moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he worked various jobs before relocating to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1953. It was there that he met the love of his life, Ruthie Mae Mills. The two were united in holy matrimony on February 26, 1955, and together built a life rooted in faith, love, and perseverance. Their union was blessed with three children: Albert Jr., Kimberlyn, and LaVonne.

Shortly after arriving in Pittsburgh, Albert began working for A&P Bakery in 1953. He started in janitorial services and, through hard work and dedication, was promoted to Working Foreman before the bakery closed in 1972. In 1973, he joined Braun’s Wonder Bread Bakery, where he advanced to Supervisor and later Assistant Superintendent. Known for his leadership and strong work ethic, he traveled across the country training employees at various bakery locations. When operations moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Albert and Ruthie relocated. He retired in 1991 due to health concerns and returned to Pittsburgh but continued faithfully serving in his church and community.

Albert’s faith in God remained the foundation of his life. Having known the Lord since childhood, he remained steadfast throughout his journey. After moving to Pittsburgh, he joined Warren United Methodist Church. He later became a member of Good Hope Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a Deacon in 1967 under the leadership of Rev. Carl Moncrief. That same year, he joined Saint Mark Masonic Lodge #26, later consolidated into Livingstone Lodge #51, where he remained a devoted Mason.

In 2001, Albert joined Shiloh Community Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as Chairman of the Deacon Board and a member of the Dorcas Missionary Board. He was known for his compassionate spirit and his dedication to ministry, regularly visiting the sick, praying with families, and offering communion, encouragement, and comfort throughout the congregation and community.

Albert enjoyed watching baseball and was a fan of the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Pirates, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and celebrating the accomplishments of his loved ones. Though he was unable to complete his own formal education due to early family responsibilities, he took great pride in his family’s educational achievements, which include eight bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees, and one doctorate and one current doctoral student.

He was also known for his famous sweet potato pies, as well as his words of wisdom. Among his favorite sayings were, “Just hold to God’s unchanging hand,”; “Go straight, turn right, and you will never go wrong.”; and everyone’s favorite, “walk the dog”.

His life was a testament to faith, perseverance, service, and unconditional love for family and community. His legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruthie Jenkins; two of his children, Albert Jenkins, Jr., and Kimberlyn Goliah; his parents, Elijah and Mary Jenkins; and siblings: Agnes Grant, Lawrence Jenkins, Rosalie Williams, Hattie Mae Nesbit, David Jenkins, Leola Jenkins and Bertha Lue Gelzer.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted daughter, LaVonne Carter of Fort Washington, Maryland; grandchildren: Katrina (Adri) Howell-Mobley, Robert Carter, Jr., Janelle (Travis) Robinson, Jaida Carter, Maya Roberts, and Dana Carter; and great-grandchildren: Maliyah Howell, Sienna Mobley, Ezekiel Robinson, Kimberlyn Robinson, and Elijah Robinson; a host of extended family members, friends, church family who will forever honor his life and legacy.

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