Birth date: Dec 19, 1953 Death date: Nov 6, 2025
Jacqueline “Jacque” Jenkins, 71, a beloved member of the Memphis community, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Her life was a vibrant tapestry woven with music, flowers, compassion, and service. She had a deep love Read Obituary
Jacque was passionate in her relentless support of the public library in Memphis, TN. Her passion was contagious and continues to motivate librarians like me to serve our community just as relentlessly. Her legacy will live on in the careers and lives of the many librarians her passion inspired and empowered. Thank you for everything, Jacque.
she had a great personality and she was always fun to talk to. she was always willing to help and she had a great sense of humor. she will be missed
We are soo saddened at the loss of our dear friend Jacque Jenkins...The Whitehaven Staff & Community send our heartfelt condolences!! Jacque, we will definitely keep your memory alive through our services & works!!. The Staff wrote this poem:
**Jacque Jenkins A Light Upon Our Community**
Your heart gave freely, year by year,
With kindness, grace, and love sincere.
Through service true, your light shone bright,A faithful friend, our guiding light.
We thank you for the your dedicated service
Your presence will be missed but your legacy will live on through our works in helping others!! Job well done!!
—The Whitehaven Branch Staff
On behalf on the entire Whitehaven Staff...We just want to share how much Jaque Jenkins meant to us!
****A Light Upon Our Community****
Your heart gave freely, year by year,
With kindness, grace, and love sincere.
Through service true, your light shone bright, A faithful friend, our guiding light.
We thank you for the things you've done
Rest well sweet Jacque Jenkins-Job well done!!
You will be deeply missed. And know that we will continue to do good and help others because your leagacy will live on forever in our hearts 💕
—The Whitehaven Branch Staff
I didn’t know Jacque very long but I do know she was MPL’s biggest fan. She was always working for us whether it was getting us funding or else working on getting us funding. She did not ever stop. She will be missed terribly.
I had the pleasure of working with Jackie while working on the Senior Health Fair. She was a sweet and kind lady. She love being a part of the Friends of the Library . She will be missed!!!
I was heartbroken to receive a text from Jacqueline Wallace letting me know that Jacque Jenkins had passed away. Although I knew this day was coming, I was not ready to accept it.
I first met Jacque around 2012 or 2013, when she became the Vice President—and later President—of theFriends of the Library. In recent years, she also served faithfully as Secretary and Treasurer.
Jacque was a fierce advocate for literacy and reading, and a true fighter. She fought for what she believed in—to the very end of her life—continuing to support and champion the Memphis Public Libraries. Even as her health declined, she still showed up for library programs and committee meetings whenever she could. She was someone you could always count on.
As a long-time member of the Bookstock Committee, Jacque made things happen—securing those wonderful event t-shirts, bringing in food truck vendors, and adding joy and color to the event. For the Senior Health Fair, she found those ever-popular red grab bags that everyone loved. She even helped us obtain the library’s branded tablecloths for outreach and community events—small details that made a big difference. And through it all, she was the one writing countless reimbursement and vendor checks—quietly keeping everything running behind the scenes. Her absence leaves a tremendous void and truly big shoes to fill.
Jacque was also instrumental in supporting the Books in a Bag—for Book Clubs, helping it grows and thrive. Through this initiative, countless book club members gained easier access to books and library materials—another testament to her passion for literacy and her commitment to expanding the library’s reach.
Her dedication, generosity, and love for the library are woven into the fabric of so many programs and services we offer today. Yet her service extended far beyond the library—she was deeply involved in the broader community, serving on the boards ofMemphis Police Ambassadors, Inc., and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Memphis, among others.
Memphis Public Libraries is a stronger, more vibrant, and more connected institution because of Jacque Jenkins. And beyond our walls, the Memphis community itself is a better place because of her tireless work, compassion, and unwavering belief in service.
We will miss her presence, her laughter, and her fierce commitment—but her impact and legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come. R.I.P. Jacque 🙏🙏🙏
Jacque was a big part of my childhood, due to her being my Aunt Willa's best friend.
I have fond memories of Jacque and my Aunt having fun and getting into mischief in their 20's. They definitely kept me and my siblings entertained when we visited Memphis.
Jacque was an extended part of our family and a great friend to my Aunt!
She will be missed .🙏
My sincere condolences,
Vanette Greives-Beaudreault
Jacque often came into the First Horizon Berclair Banking Center to handle business for the Friends of the Library. We laughed and talked as we handled business. Jacque was such a beautiful soul. In the last 2 months she came in sick but would not stop working for the Friends of the Library. I often told her to go home and rest. She was adamant that she would rather serve. I will miss this sweet lady dearly.
I met Jackie when I first became a member of Friends
She was most welcoming
I will miss her
Rest in peace
💜❤️ Linda B
