Erma Faye Wakefield Jenkins, 73

With profound love and deep respect, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Erma Faye Wakefield Jenkins, age 73. A woman of unwavering grace, strength and dignity, Erma transitioned from this earthly life on Monday, September 22, 2025, peacefully at her home. A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, September 27, at 1 p.m. at Swainsboro High School Gymnasium with Rev. James Days officiating and Pastor Minnie Pitts presiding. Interment followed at Swainsboro City Cemetery.

Born June 16, 1952, to the late Elder Theodore Roosevelt Wakefield, Jr. and 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, GA, 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 me 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 Erma received her bachelor’s degree in 1974, she began her career as a music educator in Montgomery County. The following year, the Jenkins’ relocated to Swainsboro. 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, Erma 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 Georga 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, Erma was promoted to the Emanuel County Board of Education Central Office as Director of P-5 Curriculum and Instructional Technology. From 2003 to 2006, she continued her leadership as Director of Curriculum for the district. Erma’s 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, Erma was a dedicated member and served as 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, Inc., Nu Upsilon Omega Chapter and was active in numerous civic and professional organizations. Her leadership and education 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 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”. Erma lived out this scripture faithfully, demonstrating perseverance, unwavering faith and a deep, abiding love in all that she did. Mrs. Jenkins is preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Simeon Wakefield.

Mrs. Jenkins leaves behind a rich legacy of love, cherished memories and countless lives shaped by her guidance and example and is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Donald K. Jenkins I; daughter, Dora Jenkins Taylor, Esq. of Fayetteville; sons, Donald Kenneth (Tye) Jenkins II of Mableton and Robert Theodore (Lacy) Jenkins of Swainsboro; five beloved grandchildren who affectionately called her “Grammy” an 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; brother, Arthur James Wakefield of Chesapeake, VA; sisters, Mary (Michael) Harden of Evans and Vivian Singleton, Esq. of Palm Coast, FL; two loving sisters-in-love, Velma Dawson of Swainsboro who cared for her daily with devotion until the Lord called her home and Gloria Ann Wakefield of Plains; ten brothers-in-love; special cousin-sister, Syvetta Young; godchildren, Roosevelt Young, Sarah Young and Zaylin Lee, all of Swainsboro; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended relatives who will carry her memory in their heats.

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 one 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.” Erma will forever be remembered as a woman of grace, integrity and unwavering legacy; an extraordinary woman whose impact will continue t live on through her family, her former students and the community she so faithfully served.

Mosley’s Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.