Catherine Work Jenkins
Catherine Work Jenkins, age 87, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2014, at Seasons Hospice. Born to John Ernest and Florence Moore Work, Catherine graduated from Marshallton School and Henry C. Conrad High School before embarking on a successful career with the DuPont Company. She retired in 1987 after 43 years of service as an executive secretary to care for her mother.
A lifelong member of Marshallton United Methodist Church, Catherine was deeply committed to her faith. She sang in the Chancel Choir for over 50 years, was a guest soloist at numerous weddings, participated in Bible studies, and was a member of the United Methodist Women and the Alice Ball Circle. Catherine also served as Treasurer for the Board of Trustees and played a key role in the completion of the church’s elevator installation.
Catherine was a passionate and dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ. Her devotion extended to her community, where she was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Mill Creek Fire Company for 67 years. Catherine remained actively involved in meetings, fundraisers, and functions and was serving as Chaplain at Mill Creek at the time of her passing. She also held the positions of Chaplain for the New Castle County and Delaware State Volunteer Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary.
During her tenure as President of the Mill Creek Ladies Auxiliary, Catherine collaborated with the Lions Club to secure the first ambulance for the Mill Creek Fire Company district. After her term as President, she continued her service, eventually becoming County and State President. Catherine was a trusted Parliamentarian for many Presidents and attended every state convention and county meeting, serving on various committees and mentoring new and young officers in the fire service.
Catherine was dearly loved and respected throughout the state and will be profoundly missed by many.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 52 years, David Bart Jenkins, Jr.; and her brothers, Theodore F. and John Ernest, Jr. Catherine is survived by her nephews, Theodore F. Work, Jr. (Mary Ann), Dennis M. Work, David L. Jenkins (Rowena), and Thomas P. Jenkins (Wanda); her devoted cousin, Elaine W. Shaw; four grandchildren; numerous great-nieces and nephews; several great-great-nieces and nephews; and her lifelong friend, Betty J. Tull.
Friends may call on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, from 6-8 p.m. at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808. A service will be held on Thursday, January 16th, at 11:00 a.m. at Marshallton United Methodist Church, 1105 Stanton Road, Wilmington, DE 19808, where friends may call after 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Marshallton United Methodist Church.