Deborah Ann Jenkins of Akron, Ohio gained her heavenly wings on Oct. 17, 2025, surrounded by family.

Deborah was born on Oct 2, 1958, in Sanford, FL to the union of Minus Jenkins, Sr. and Lucille Jenkins Carlton. She moved to Akron, Oh at an early age and accepted Christ while attending Greater Bethel Baptist Church. She later joined New Hope Baptist Church where she served on the Nurses Guild. She attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from South High School. She was employed by Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital, retiring after 30 years of service. She was admired for her compassion, hard work, and kind heart towards everyone she met.

Deborah was lovingly known as Deb, Debbie, Ms. Jenkins and Gan Gan. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. Her warmth and humor filled every room she entered. She had a unique laugh that was contagious, and found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially spending time with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She enjoyed traveling, bingo and the casino, with a smile as bright as the light around her, and always cheered for her favorite teams, the Cleveland Browns and the Cavaliers.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and her stepfather, Willie H. Carlton; her brothers, Minus Jenkins, Jr. and Charles Carlton; brother-in-law, Jimmie Keaton; her son, Cliafous Bruce Jones Jenkins, and numerous aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her daughters, Ann (Maurice) Sheppard, Dana (Shacoby, Sr.) Weems; son, Aaron (Keisha) Jenkins; sisters, Glenda Keaton, Dynetta (Charles) Griffith, Gloristeen (Elliott) McBride, Geneva Carlton, Verdell McCarthy, Melanie (Johnnie) Green, Kaylee, Tia, Erick’shia, and Mattie Carlton; brothers, Tommie Jenkins, Rashaad (Krishana) Carlton, Travis (Danielle) Carlton and Diangelo Carlton; grandchildren, Ariyana, Aaron Jr., Keylah, Diamond, Asia, Amauriya, Aareyan, Janieah, Shakhia, Christopher, Amaya, Maurice Jr, Aniya, Danajsha, Elijah, Shacoby Jr., Aubrey and Kamari and one great-grandchild, Javere; best friends, Adrienne Jackson, Linda Anderson and Margaret Ramsey; special cousin, Eric Wheeler; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.

Deborah was deeply loved and will be missed by many!!

Viewing will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Rd. Akron, Oh 44320. Funeral service will immediately follow.