Obituary

Louella Jenkins was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on September 8, 1941. She was the first child born to A.C. Jenkins and Willie B. Jenkins in Clarksdale, Mississippi. She graduated from East High School Cleveland, OH in 1960. She received an Associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community College in Administration.

Louella was a member of the Eastern Star – Martha Chapter. She was very active with the National Baptist Convention. Louella sang with the Angelic Spiritual Singers of Ohio. She was a member of the Celestial Choir at Calvary Hill Missionary Baptist Church and many more. She spearheaded many Feed the Homeless and Clothing Programs throughout Cleveland. She also donated to numerous charities. Louella was active with Outreach Ministries which included food drives, clothing drives, bible ministries and quarterly distribution of the Daily Bread.

Louella was a dedicated employee with 33 years of service at Navy Defense Financial Administrative Services (DFAS). After retiring, she devoted her life to her grandchildren and being a faithful and devoted member of Calvary Hill Missionary Baptist Church, as a Sunday School Teacher, choir member, etc.

Louella was married for 27 years to William Coats (who preceded her in death). They had three children: William Coats Jr., twin boys, Daryl (LaTonya) and Jerel (Belinda). She was also the mother of two stepdaughters (Mary Jean Coats and Annie S. Martin).

Singing was her first love. She was a part of several groups and choirs. When she wasn’t singing, she was bowling, fishing, doing crossword puzzles and word search puzzles. Louella was an avid sports fan. She loved the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. Another passion was her love for politics.

Anyone who knew Louella, knew she love fashion. It gave her great pleasure to dress her best for the LORD. She was also a good cook and baker.

Preceded her in death was her father (A. C. Jenkins Sr.), her mother Willie B. (Jenkins) Porter, her brothers: Cornelius Jenkins, A. C. Jenkins Jr., and New Jean Porter, sister’s: Helen Porter, Darlene Porter and Barbara Tolbert.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: three sons: William Coats Jr., twin boys, Daryl (LaTonya) and Jerel (Belinda);  five brothers; William Jenkins, Sababa Akili (Ne), Acie Williams (Barbara), John B. Porter, and Kenneth Porter; four sisters: Lula King, Prinsetta Hughes, Arlene Porter and Juanita Rogers of Chicago, Illinois; one grandson: Desmond Edison (Brie’Anna); five granddaughters: Lauryn, Courtney,