Erma Faye (Wakefield) Jenkins

With profound love and deep respect, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Erma Faye Wakefield Jenkins. A woman of unwavering grace, strength, and dignity, Erma transitioned from this earthly life on September 22, 2025, peacefully at her home. 
Born on June 16, 1952, to the late Presiding Elder Theodore Roosevelt Wakefield, Jr. and the late Mrs. Mary Nellie Wakefield, Erma lived a life rooted in faith, integrity and service. She carried herself with elegance and humility, leaving an indelible mark on every soul she encountered.
Erma was raised in Plains, Georgia, and received her early education in the Sumter County Public School System. After graduating from high school in 1970, she went on to attend Fort Valley State College, where she discovered her passion for music education. It was also at this distinguished institution that she met the love of her life, Donald. On December 2, 1972, their love was sealed in holy matrimony, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, love, and devotion.
After she received her bachelor's degree in 1974, she began her career as a music educator in Montgomery County, Georgia. The following year, the Jenkins’ relocated to Swainsboro, Georgia. Erma joined the Emanuel County School System, where she began a 40 year career dedicating her life to shaping young minds and uplifting her fellow educators. In 1987, she completed her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgia Southern University, and in 1989, she was appointed principal of Swainsboro Primary School, a role in which she served with distinction, leadership, and love. In 1995, she earned her Specialist in Education Leadership (Ed.S.) from Georgia College & State University, further equipping her to lead with vision and purpose. Erma believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives and approached her calling with patience, compassion, and excellence.
In 2000, she was promoted to the Emanuel County Board of Education Central Office as Director of P–5 Curriculum and Instructional Technology. From 2003 to 2006, Erma continued her leadership as Director of Curriculum for the district. Her unwavering commitment to Emanuel County Schools was evident in every role she held, and in 2006 she was elevated to Assistant Superintendent for Support Services. That same dedication led to a historic milestone in 2011, when she became the first African American Superintendent of Emanuel County Schools; a position she held with honor and distinction until her retirement in 2014. Through her leadership, she imparted lessons that reached far beyond academia, instilling in administrators, educators and students alike the values of perseverance, confidence, and hope.
Erma’s love for the Lord was evident in every aspect of her life, especially through her gift of music. She faithfully shared her talents with many churches, blessing congregations with her voice and her skills on the piano and organ. She sang with grace, directed choirs with passion, and used her musical gifts as an instrument of worship. For many years she served as the musician for The Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church and First Baptist of Stillmore. At Saint Paul Noah’s Ark AME Church, she was a dedicated member and served as a Musician, Missionary, Steward, and Financial Secretary, remaining steadfast in her service until her health no longer allowed her to. 
Beyond the church, Erma’s commitment to service extended deeply into the community. She was a proud Life member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Nu Upsilon Omega Chapter and was active in numerous civic and professional organizations. Her leadership and dedication touched many through her involvement with Emanuel County NAACP Chapter 5199, Community Action for Youth, the Emanuel Retired Educators Association, Emanuel County Hospital Authority, serving as chairwoman twice, Emanuel County Recreation Authority, and the Southeastern Technical College Board of Directors. She also served with distinction as Past Matron of St. Philip Chapter #114, Order of the Eastern Star, among many other local, state, and national organizations. Through each of these roles, Erma exemplified her belief in service, leaving a legacy of faith, leadership, and love for her community.
Erma was a devoted wife, mother, sister, family member and friend, whose life was a testament to her love for family and her unwavering commitment to community. She carried herself with a presence that commanded respect. Not through words alone, but through the quiet strength, dignity, and integrity she embodied each day. The guiding philosophy of her life was rooted in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She lived out this scripture faithfully, demonstrating perseverance, unwavering faith, and a deep, abiding love in all that she did.
Erma was preceded in death by her parents, Presiding Elder Theodore and Mrs. Nellie Mae Wakefield, and her brother, Simeon Wakefield. She leaves behind a rich legacy of love, cherished memories, and countless lives shaped by her guidance and example. She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Donald K. Jenkins I; her daughter, Dorna Jenkins Taylor, Esq. of Fayetteville, GA; her sons, Donald Kenneth (Tye) Jenkins II of Mableton, GA, and Robert Theodore (Lacy) Jenkins of Swainsboro, GA; and five beloved grandchildren who affectionately called her “Grammy” and held a special place in her heart; Ashlee Morgan Taylor, William Lee Taylor IV, Kayden Del’Monte Mii’King Sumpter, Darius Karter Jenkins, and Kai Arya Jenkins. She is also survived by her brother, Arthur James Wakefield, of Chesapeake, VA; sisters, Mary (Michael) Harden, of Evans, GA, Vivian Singleton, Esq. of Palm Coast, FL; and two loving sisters-in-love, Velma Dawson of Swainsboro, GA, who cared for her daily with devotion until the Lord called her home; and Gloria Ann Wakefield of Plains, GA.
She also leaves behind ten brothers-in-love; James Jenkins of Swainsboro, GA; Calvin Johnson of Orlando, FL; Greg Johnson of Brooklyn, NY; Rodney Scott of Warren, OH; Michael Jenkins of Swainsboro, GA; Byron Johnson of Brooklyn, NY; Simon Johnson of East Hartford, CT; Shane Johnson of Danville, VA; and Randall Johnson of Hampton, VA.; as  well as her special cousin-sister, Syvetta Young;  her godchildren, Roosevelt Young, Sara Young, and Zaylin Lee, all of Swainsboro, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended relatives who will carry her memory in their hearts.
Erma’s remarkable life story is one of triumph, service, and love. Reflecting on her historic role as the first African American Superintendent of Emanuel County Schools, she once said: “I take this blessing very seriously because I want young folks in Emanuel County to know that regardless of what you look like or where you come from, you just need to set your goals high and work hard to achieve them, and they will come true.” She will forever be remembered as a woman of grace, integrity, and unwavering legacy; an extraordinary woman whose impact will continue to live on through her family, her former students, and the community she so faithfully served.

"In Lieu of Flowers..Please Donate to Erma Jenkins Scholarship Fund"

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Erma Faye (Wakefield) Jenkins, please visit our floral store.