Barbara Lee Jenkins

Barbara Jenkins, or as her husband Ken lovingly called her, “Barbie,” joined him in Heaven on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

Barb was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her daughters, Kim Jenkins Zaccardelli and her husband Rick, and Julie Jenkins and her friend Marc Mattix; her granddaughter, Michelle Zaccardelli Ezel and her husband Patrick; and her great-grandson, Greyson Ezel. She is also survived by her brother, Dave Zimmerman and his wife Cindy, along with their children and grandchildren. Barb is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Ross Jenkins; her mother, Edith Nettle Zimmerman; her mother-in-law, Ethel Baker Jenkins; and her sister, Judy Hart.

Barb and Ken shared 62 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, faith, and deep connections with others. They cherished not only their family, but also the many people who became like family to them over the years, including Charlie Zaffer and his wife Doreen, along with their children and grandchildren, and many others whose lives they touched.

Barb loved God, her family, her friends, and her beloved pups—FiFi, Laddy, Kizzie, Ally, Rocky, and Mickey.

She was a woman of many talents and endless creativity. Barb was an artist, floral designer, gardener, baker, and seamstress. She made bread and jam, prepared comforting soups and casseroles, and sewed everything from curtains and quilts to tablecloths, altar cloths for church, and clothing. Her love for painting knew no bounds—she painted on cards, clothing, dishes, pots, and countless other items, turning ordinary objects into something beautiful. Her creativity left behind countless cherished pieces and even more treasured stories.

Barb embraced life with joy and adventure. She loved traveling in their motorhome, cruising with the antique car club in their powder blue 1954 Ford, riding her motorcycle, canoeing, and camping. Many will fondly remember evenings spent around the campfire, listening to her play guitar and sing, as well as her piano playing, swimming, laughter-filled games, and the warmth she brought to every gathering.

Above all, Barb was known for her generous spirit, kindness, and unwavering love. She was the most extraordinary Mom and Grandma, and her family feels deeply blessed to have had her in their lives.

Her memory will be cherished always.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Barbara and her late husband Kenneth Jenkins at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026 at St. Williams Catholic Church, 531 Commons Street, Walled Lake, MI. Following the Mass, there will be an interment of their ashes at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 43300 West 12 Mile Road, Novi, MI. Family and friends are invite to join the family at the services and a luncheon at 12:00 p.m. at Tanglewood Golf Club, 22805 Country Club Drive, South Lyon, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara's name to the CarolinaEast Foundation, 2007B Neuse Boulevard, New Bern, NC 28560.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Barbara Jenkins.