Linda Jean Jenkins

Born on February 1, 1955, in San Bernardino, California, Linda was the cherished daughter of Robert and Mae Helen (Duncan) Simpson. A proud product of the San Bernardino Unified School District, she attended Muscott Elementary, Arrowview Junior High, and San Bernardino High School. She continued her higher education at San Bernardino Valley College before attending the University of Redlands, where she successfully earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

Linda dedicated her life to Christ at an early age. She was baptized by the late Rev. David Campbell on June 30, 1963, at New Hope Baptist Church in San Bernardino. She continued her faith walk in association with the Ethiopian Christian Fellowship Church and Sugar Creek Baptist Church. Her foundational faith guided her throughout her life, shaping her into a devoted woman whose life centered on family, love, and community.

Naturally creative, Linda possessed many gifts and talents that brought beauty to the world around her. She found great joy in expressing herself through writing, painting, needlepoint, crochet, and jewelry making. Her hand-crafted pieces and creative spirit remain a lasting treasure for those who loved her. Never at a loss for words, Linda could carry a conversation for hours without missing a beat, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her gentle spirit, vibrant personality, kindness, and unwavering warmth brought immense light to everyone who knew her.

Linda’s sharp intellect and passion for service paved the way for a long, distinguished, and highly productive career in administration and public service. She served with dedication as an Assistant to the Director of the Social Sciences Group at URS Berger, an Environmental Analyst with Tetra Tech, Inc., and the Human Relations Coordinator for the City of San Bernardino. She also brought her administrative talents to civic leadership, working as a Consultant to Mayor Tom Minor and as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer and Assistant to Mayor Judith Valles (https://www.sanbernardino.gov/490/Judith-Valles). Linda further expanded her impact as the H.R. Manager and EEO/ADA Program Coordinator for Sonoma County, ultimately concluding her career as a DFEH Consultant for the state of California prior to her well-deserved retirement in 2010.

Deeply committed to civil rights, equity, and civic improvement, Linda lent her time and expertise to numerous professional affiliations and community organizations. She was a past Board Member of the Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire, a 5th District Commissioner for the Commission on the Status of Women, and a past Board Member of the Workforce Investment Board Youth Council. She also served as an Outreach Police Advisory Liaison (OPAL) Group member for the San Bernardino Police Department, maintained a membership with the National Association of Equal Rights Professionals, and served as an Advisory Board Member for the Loma Linda University School of Social Work.

She was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of 48 years, Tyrone Jenkins Sr., who passed away in 2017. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mae Helen Simpson, and her siblings, Lizzie Mae McGhee and Billy Lynn McGhee Sr.

She is survived by her loving sons, Tyrone “Ty” Jr. (Norka), Taj (Bonnie), and Tiant (Leanna) Jenkins; her seven cherished grandchildren, Tyre, Tayler (Dominique Graham), Nicholas, Damian (Nancy), Desmond, Elodie-Cruz, and Zion Jenkins; and her four precious great-grandchildren, Valerie and Gracelynn Johnson, and Thalia and Kaia Graham. She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved nieces and nephews:Bennie L. McGhee III, Renee J. McGhee, Helena McGhee, Robert “Kerry”McGhee, Dwight McGhee, Yvette McGhee, Evon “Mercy” McGhee, Billy L.“Man” McGhee, Jr., Billy L. “Poochie” McGhee, III, Pastor Marcus McGhee,Mateemah McGhee, Ruben McGhee, and Tiocca McGhee, along with a host of

extended family, cousins, and dear friends.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Sugar Creek Baptist Church, located at 13213 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, Texas, 77478

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to

Children International

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