Mary Jenkins Ennis

Mary Jenkins Ennis, 65, of Odessa, was welcomed to her heavenly home on Monday, May 2, 2022 in Odessa, TX.

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Martinez Funeral Home.  There will be a wake and family visitation from 7-9p.m. Wednesday May 11, 2022 at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, May 12, 2022@10am, at the St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 2212 E. 11th St. with Pastor, Dr. James A. Bolton officiating.  Burial will follow at the Ector County Cemetery.  Arrangements are by Martinez Funeral Home.

Mary was born in Odessa.  Mary was the 5th child born to Melvin (Junior) Jenkins and Pearlie Mae Wallace Jenkins on January 5, 1957.  Mary married Billy Ray Ennis on June 29, 1979, and they enjoyed a wonderful life together until his passing.

Mary attended Odessa public schools, graduating from Ector High School in 1975, and also attended Odessa College.  Mary worked in several positions at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 38 1/2 years, retiring as a Manager in March of 2015.  Mary volunteered her service helping those running for elected office and she also worked as an Ector County Elections Office poll worker.  Mary was the secretary for the St. James Missionary Baptist Church until the time of her demise.

Mary had an infectious laugh and smile.  She always encouraged others with wise words, prayers and positive actions.  Mary never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with a smile. Mary loved Christmas movies and watched them all year long! She also liked watching westerns and was definitely a comedian at heart, even laughing heartedly at her own jokes.

Mary joined St. James Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and served faithfully until moving to her heavenly home. Mary was very active at her church and truly exemplified what living a Christian life entailed, in word and deed.  Mary also served faithfully as a Deaconess, Usher, Mission, Business and Professional Women. Kitchen and Sunday School Ministries.  She was also a “honorary” member of the choir.  Mary chaired the Food Bank Ministry at the church and was very faithful in all her capacities.  Mary was very active in her community, doing what she could, whenever she could, for whomever she could.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving parents, Melvin and Pearlie Mae Jenkins, and her loving husband, Billy Ray Ennis.

Mary is survived by her children Timothy Lamar Jenkins and Travece Lanae Ennis, Grandchildren, Jeremy Johnson and Kaleena Khieu-Jenkins;                                               Great grandchildren, Yul Gibbs Jr. and Xander Khieu; Brothers, Jerry Jenkins (Sharon), Melvin Jenkins III, and Milton Jenkins; Sisters, Ruby Sullivan, JoAnn Lewis (Ray), Vera Jenkins Nelson, and Diane Jenkins. Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives, and longtime friends Mrs. Ulyse Wallace, Mrs. Betsy Burleson Anderson, and Mrs. Pearlie Williams;  and many other friends.