Mrs. Helen J. Jenkins' Obituary
Born on February 11, 1942, in Midway, Texas, Helen Jean Brazle entered the world as the fifth of eight children to Wille Olivia (Walker) Brazle and Gorden Brazle Sr. During her early childhood, Helen’s family relocated to Houston, where she created lasting memories sharing a room with her older sister, Willie Lois Brazle. Within the walls of their local church in Houston, Helen’s faith journey began in her adolescent years, when she embraced salvation and found spiritual guidance.
Helen’s academic journey flourished at Jack Yates High School, where her passion for journalism set her apart. Her talent earned her a scholarship for penning the most interesting and best-written articles as a high school correspondent. With ambition and drive, Helen continued her education at Texas Southern University, earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Administration degree. It was at TSU that Helen’s life took a sweet turn—she met math Professor, Herman James Jenkins. The two fell deeply in love, beginning a partnership that would span 57 devoted years of marriage and the joy of raising their son, Herman Jason Jenkins.
Helen’s professional life was defined by service and advocacy. Early in her career, she campaigned alongside and worked closely with notable local politicians such as Barbara Jordan, Mickey Lealand, and El Franco Lee, dedicating herself to the pursuit of civil rights and equality. In the early 1980s, Helen found a new calling as a crisis counselor with the Houston Police Department, where she offered compassion and counsel to those in need. Her commitment to education brought her back to TSU in the mid-1990s, this time as a student counselor, where she guided and supported countless students.
While working during this time at TSU, God restored a lost connection between Helen and her first son, Billy Daniel Washington which created a new chapter for the Washington and Jenkins families.
Helen was widely recognized for her candor and strong opinions, often engaging passionately in debates and discussions. Despite her assertiveness, she had a gentle, caring side and enjoyed laughter. She showed her love through thoughtful gifts and abundant affection for her family. Every year, her famous cornbread Thanksgiving dressing was a beloved tradition.
By the early 2000’s, Helen retired from TSU due to health challenges. She spent her later years surrounded by close family and friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Gordon Brazle Sr., her mother, Willie Olivia Brazle, her sisters, Bessie Brazle- Solomon, Willie Lois Brazle-Greenwood, Sylvia Brazle-Bradshaw, and her brother O’Neal “Buddy” Brazle. Her surviving family members include her husband, Herman James Jenkins, her sons, Billy Daniel Washington (Schelitia), Herman Jason Jenkins (Tina), her brothers, Wayne Brazle, Gorden Brazle, Jr., Michael Brazle, her grandchildren, Danielle Ekwerekwu, Nyles Washington, Blair Jenkins, Jordan Jenkins, Jean Jenkins, Sydnei Grimstead and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
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