born June 20, 1934 in Washington, D.C. He passed away Valentine's Day 2015, a memorable day for a memorable man. Mr. Jenkins, (Lionel) was the son of the late Clarzell V. Jenkins & Mable B. Brown Jenkins & was preceded in death by his beloved brother Ronald P. Jenkins. Lionel came to R.I. as a young man to escape racial prejudice of the Jim Crow South & pursue education. He boarded at Mount Saint Charles & graduated destined for greatness. Academic & athletic abilities took him to Providence College where he became a legendary Friar. His name is in R.I. Sports Hall of Fame record book. Following graduation Lionel served in the Army, returning to his beloved R.I. He made a lifelong commitment working for Civil Rights. He retired from HUD as Regional Director, although he worked & traveled south to act as a Compliance Officer for various cases of Housing Discrimination. Lionel resided in Smithfield providing leadership to the greater community for many years following his retirement. He served on many boards throughout his life lending particular expertise to the Smithfield Housing Board. He fulfilled a vast array of civic commitments, supported alumni organizations, donating time & charity. His awards are too numerous to mention. He was extremely proud of his children & grandchildren visiting them frequently as their lives became punctuated by success. An avid reader, he encouraged family members by sending newspaper clippings, articles, any and everything to encourage & uphold their success. He loved nature, animals, & people from every station in life. He was a Good Samaritan to which many neighbor can attest. He leaves behind many devoted friends including the Richard Poirier Family. Survivors include 4 children, Linda Dawn Gaines (husband Bennett), Kym Anthony Jenkins (wife Michele nee Clark), Maria Angela Jenkins, Richard Lewis Jenkins (wife Karen nee Suber). Niece Ruth, nephew Tony Jenkins, devoted Cousin Muriel Jenkins Page. Grandchildren Winifred Clark Jenkins, Kyla Noelle Gaines, Aric Suber Jenkins, Abigail & Kymberlee Jenkins, Olivia, Oliver, & Lionel Smith, Cameron, & Jessica Jenkins, and his devoted dog Allie. Wake 11-1 with be (TODAY) Sunday, February 22, at The Keefe Funeral Home, Lincoln. Funeral Service with Military honor to follow. In lieu of flowers - the Lionel J. Jenkins, '58 Minority Torch Scholars Award has been designated www.givetopc.org