Obituary of Lana Anthanette Jenkins

Lana Anthanette Jenkins, fondly known as "Auntie", "Mom, and "Baby Cakes" by her father, was born on February 2, 1947, in Baltimore, —a birthday always remembered as it fell on Groundhog Day. She was the third child born from the union between Adelaide and Paul Jenkins, who both preceded her in death. Lana was named by her father after the Hawaiian island of "Lana'i", as pronounced by the natives, where he served as a civilian employee at Pearl Harbor, O'ahu during World War II. Lana attended Frederick Douglass Senior High School and graduated on June 10, 1966; she received her High School diploma after completing the Business Education Curriculum. She grew up in a lively, loving, and God-centered home alongside her four siblings Geraldine, Adrian, Grant, and Chauncey. Their home was always open to others, filled with food, laughter, music, and impromptu parties. Born into a musically inclined family, Lana was influenced by a wide range of music from Mozart to Motown. During her teenage years, she formed lifelong friendships with Mona, Jacqueline (Jay-Jay), and the Scott sisters, Connie and Claudia. Lana enjoyed a long career at the National Security Agency (NSA) at Fort Meade, MD. She often referred to her position as that of a "glorified clerk." When asked to reveal her job description, Lana would simply respond, "If I tell you, I would have to kill you," a statement followed by a hearty laugh. Lana proudly boasted for many years after retiring that her length of employment with the NSA was "thirty-two years, nine months, and two days." Lana had the spirit of a lioness, she courageously moved out on her own at an early age and eventually purchased a home of her own, which became her sanctuary. Children held a special place in Lana's heart. Her greatest joy (a gift from God) was the birth of her son, Aaron R. Jenkins, her "pudding-pie" and one and only child. She cherished being a grandmother to her only grandchild, Layla Luna Jenkins taking immense pride in every moment they shared. Though Lana was an aunt and mother figure to many, she was "Auntie" to a privileged few; Alisa, Alaina, William, Stacy, Danyse, Christopher, Kristen, Teon, Lashawn, Tony, Jeanette, and Katrina. Among them, her relationship with "Lisa Cooke", her songbird and the niece who first made her an "Auntie" was particularly special. Lana had a one-of-a-kind persona. She loved to socialize with family and friends, especially Denise McDougal, AKA "Buddy-Pal" and "Godmother," as she was chosen as godmother to Aaron. Throughout Lana's life, she continued her passion for music and the arts. Some of her favorite activities were attending concerts, festivals (e.g., Artscape), cruising, traveling, family vacations, and family reunions, especially the Medley Reunion hosted by her cousin Henry Thomas. A true fashionista, Lana had impeccable taste in clothing, jewelry, and home furnishings. She loved shopping for herself and others; one of her favorite shopping venues was The Sugarloaf Craft Show at Timonium Fairgrounds. Lana enjoyed bowling, line dancing, and volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America as a Big Sister to several children in the program but had a particularly special relationship with her first "little sister" Melissa Thomas. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, and a dedicated supporter of military charities and veterans' organizations. Lana enjoyed caring for her many indoor plants and cultivating her beautiful flower beds and landscaping. She was an avid cook, often sharing meals with friends and family, especially Thanksgiving dinners. Lana faithfully attended Ames Memorial United Methodist Church (Baltimore, Maryland) for decades, and in her later years joined and attended Union Bethel AME Church (Randallstown, Maryland), where she sang alto in Union Bethel's AME Choir. Lana's journey in this life ended on July 26, 2024. Lana endured the trials of dementia in her later years, facing the condition with quiet strength and perseverance until her passing. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Adelaide Jenkins, and her brother Paul Adrian Jenkins. Lana leaves to mourn her son Aaron R. Jenkins, daughter-in-law Allysha Jenkins, granddaughter Layla Luna Jenkins, sister Adelaide Geraldine Cooke, brothers Grant Medley Jenkins and Raymond Chauncey Jenkins, sister-in-law Denise Jenkins, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and nephews, god-daughter, much-loved dear friends, and acquaintances. A viewing will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Vaughn Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD 21133. On Monday, August 12, 2024, a homegoing celebration for Ms. Lana A. Jenkins will be held at the Union Bethel AME Church, 8615 Church Lane, where the family will recieve friends from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with services to follow. The interment service will be held at Arbutus Memorial Park immediately following the homegoing service.