Roderick Anthony Jenkins' Obituary
On March 12th, 2023, early Sunday morning, Mr. Roderick Anthony Jenkins, known affectionately by many as Rod, at 59 years old gained his wings into heaven and transitioned to be with our Lord. Born in Detroit Michigan June 5th1963 to parents John Henry Jenkins and Mrs. Mary Jim Sutton, he began attending church at a young age. He also attended Pershing High School where he would later graduate and throughout his early years he demonstrated a fondness of cars, riding motorcycles, and a passion for music as well. In 2006 Roderick relocated from Detroit Michigan to Honolulu Hawaii to be closer to his sister Claudette. Shortly after arriving in Hawaii Rod became a member of the Laborers’ International Union Local 368.
During his employment Roderick demonstrated he was not only a hard worker but a team player and actively contributed to the community as a construction worker. Through local 368 he participated in many construction projects that were not only crucial to the economic development and infrastructure of the city and county of Honolulu, but also to the entire state of Hawaii. These projects included hotel construction and road improvements that would sometimes require travel to outer islands and most recently he helped build the ongoing Honolulu Lite Rail mass transit project.
It was also in Hawaii that Roderick would meet the love of his life Brenda Young, and on March 7th 2008 they were married. During his time on earth Roderick not only gained a reputation as a wonderful husband but also good friend and extremely hard worker. To know Roderick was to know a smile. To know his smile was to know a friend. Due to his meek and humble character Rod was loved and respected by many. He was a husband a father and a son, an uncle a coworker and friend. His warmhearted spirit and easygoing character touched us all.
Roderick was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Jenkins. He leaves behind and in mourning many beloved friends, coworkers, and family members near and far including his Wife Brenda Jenkins of Aiea Hawaii, son Frederick James of Arizona, Sisters Claudette Humphrey of Mililani Hawaii, Andrea McNeal of Chicago Illinois, and Jeannie Jeffries of Ohio. He also leaves behind close friend and brother Michael Watson of Detroit Michigan as well as a host of very special nieces, nephews, and cousins that he was very fond of and who also loved him dearly.
What’s your fondest memory of Roderick?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roderick?
Share a story where Roderick's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roderick you’ll never forget.
How did Roderick make you smile?