Bea "Bertha" "Berta" Jenkins

Born July 21, 1937 — San Antonio, Texas Passed Away in Atascosa County

Bea "Bertha" "Berta" Jenkins, born July 21, 1937, in San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully in Atascosa County after a long period of declining health. She was the beloved daughter of Salvador and Jesusa Martell.

Bea grew up in a large family, the youngest among her five brothers — Guillermo, Raul, Reynaldo, Hector, and Salvador — and her sister, Deana. Her parents, who had farm animals to help with family expenses, often relied on the children for difficult chores. As a child, she was sometimes tasked with ringing the chickens' necks for the family's dinner — a job she despised but understood, because the family was poor and everyone had to do their part. She is preceded in death by her parents and three of her brothers.

On December 11, 1961, Bea married Wilber Richard Jenkins. Together they raised a blended family — his, hers, and theirs in San Antonio. Bea is survived by Robert D. Jenkins and his wife Cece; Richard D. Jenkins and his wife Carolyn; Rene D. Jenkins and his wife Dena; and Karyn D. Smiley. She is also survived by five grandchildren — Matthew Jenkins, Duncan Jenkins, Ainsley Smiley, Lyon Jenkins, and Bella Smiley. She loved her grandchildren deeply. She is also remembered by members of her extended blended family.

Bea worked several jobs throughout her life, but her favorite was her role in Operations at USAA Insurance Company, where she eventually retired. She loved the company deeply and took great pride in the fact that two of her daughters‑in‑laws also worked there, creating a meaningful family connection to a place she valued so much. One of her daughters‑in‑law fondly remembers Bea's practical parenting advice: when a baby spits out the pacifier twice, they're done with it — wisdom that proved true when her own child gave it up at just six months old.

In accordance with her wishes, Bea was cremated, and no formal service will be held.

Bea was a lifelong believer in Jesus Christ, and although she feared the possibility of dying in pain, she never feared where she was going. She knew her eternal home would be Heaven. If you would like to donate in her memory, please donate to Atascosa First Seventh‑day Adventist Church, 125 Hooge Ln, Poteet, TX 78065, or at https://atascosatx.adventistchurch.org