Betty Jane Harris-Jenkins was born June 8, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the only child of Beatrice Gordan and Charles Harris. She was raised by her maternal grandmother Ora Lee Mitchell and uncle Thomas Gordan.
Betty grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and attended John Adams High School where she was a proud Rebelette. Upon graduating from High School, Betty worked at University Hospital and later attended Jane Adams vocational dietary assistant program where she remained at UH for 34 years as a dietary supervisor.
Betty married her soul mate, Sidney Edward Jenkins Jr, on March 17th, 1972. Later they would become the parents of Aaron W. and Angela Ora.
Betty was an active member of East View United Church of Christ for over 50 years. During her time at East View, she was an active member of the Women’s Guild; a Deacon; participated in the Hunger Ministry; a member of the bereavement committee and any other committee that would allow her to serve. Betty was the Minister of Music [Mom] of the Tuesday afternoon prayer group.
Betty’s favorite pastime was answering ALL the questions on Jeopardy, cooking for her family, and listening to music of every genre. Betty never met a stranger. Her home was opened to many – family and friends – over the years. Betty was also active in her neighborhood.
Betty made her transition peacefully surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney Edward Jenkins, Jr; her sister Donna Marie Heiskell; sister-in-law Sylvia Hayward.
Betty leaves to cherish her memory her son Aaron, daughter Angela Ora [Eugene], bonus sons Terry Lee and Sidney E.; siblings Judith Ann Heiskell, Louis Heiskell [Marcea], Deborah Sanders; sister-in-law Gloria Price; grandchildren Chesney, Aaron [Keyana], Iesha, Cedrick, Brandi, Torrin, Tyson, Arianna, Alyssa, Khloe, Aiden; great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.