MURFREESBORO – John Milton Jenkins, Sr., 95, died Friday, June 22, 2012 at East Pavilion in Franklin, Virginia. A native of Murfreesboro, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Josephine Ambrose Jenkins.

He was a 1933 graduate of Murfreesboro High School, attended Chowan College, and graduated from Wake Forest College in 1938. He later received his Masters in Education in 1949 from Wake Forest College. Before receiving his Masters Degree he taught at Pantego High School from 1938 to 1942 and Murfreesboro High School from 1943 to 1947. He was Principal of Murfreesboro High School from 1947 to 1963, Associate Superintendent of Hertford County Schools from 1963 to 1976, and Superintendent of Hertford County Schools from 1976 until his retirement in 1978.

A lifelong member of Murfreesboro Baptist Church, he served as a Deacon and taught Sunday School. He was on the Hertford County Board of Social Services, Roanoke-Chowan Mental Health Advisory Board, Murfreesboro Historical Association, was Past President of the Chowan College Alumni Association, Past President of the Murfreesboro Rotary Club, a member of the American George Lodge No. 17 A.F. and A.M. in Murfreesboro, member of the Board of Directors for Oxford Orphanage, and was honored by having the Chowan University Sports and Fitness Center named in his behalf. He was the proud recipient of the Book of Golden Deeds Award from the Murfreesboro Exchange Club for service to his community.

Survivors include one son, John M. Jenkins, Jr. and his wife, Catherine, of Murfreesboro; three grandchildren,  Josie Jenkins Cimini and husband, Craig, of Providence, RI, Jenni Jenkins Chao and husband, Simon, of Winston Salem, and John M. Jenkins, III of Raleigh; and one great-grandson, Cameron Vincent Cimini of Providence, RI.

Funeral services for Mr. Jenkins were held Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in Murfreesboro Baptist Church with Dr. Lee Canipe and Rev. Tom Caulkins presiding.  Burial followed in Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial gifts be made to the John Milton Jenkins, Sr. and Josephine Ambrose Jenkins Friends of Teacher Education Scholarship Endowment Fund, Chowan University, 1 University Place, Murfreesboro, NC  27855; The Jenkins Center, Chowan University; Murfreesboro Baptist Church; or a charity of one’s choice.

The family extends sincere gratitude for the love and care he received during his stay at The Village at Woods Edge in Franklin, VA and to his personal caregivers, with special thanks to Brenda Lee.

Bridgers Funeral Home, Inc. in Conway is in charge of arrangements.