Mildred Inell "Mother Nell" Jenkins

Born on February 24, 1950 in Torrance, California, Mildred Inell Jenkins (Inell) was the seventh beloved child of Freddie Jack Jenkins and Sarah Mae Gordon (well known as Missionary Jenkins). The family relocated to Seattle’s historic Black neighborhood, the Central District, where she attended Leschi Elementary and graduated from Garfield High School in 1968.

From a young age, she demonstrated a profound passion for music and a deep commitment to her faith. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior as a teenager attending Tolliver Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC) under Bishop Tolliver. She learned to play the piano at the age of 12 under the tutelage of her sister and best friend, Jean (State Supervisor McGraw). Unknowingly to a young Inell, these early lessons would form the foundation for a lifelong ministry, passion for, and enduring career in music.

Inell generously shared her musical gifts offering music lessons to innumerable youth and young adults throughout the Puget Sound region over several decades. She blessed many artists and congregations with her talent as a church pianist and organist, including Operation Destitution / The Gospel ODs, Washington State Mass Choir, Power House COGIC, Praise Chapel COGIC, God’s Church In Christ the Light COGIC, Goodwill Baptist, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Baptist, Songstress Lillie Knauls, and the Total Experience Gospel Choir. Her leadership extended to statewide and national ministries, notably as President of the Sunshine Band in the Washington Northwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, where she lovingly mentored young minds and nurtured their spiritual growth in faith and compassion.

She dedicated more than 60 years of living in Christ and committed to the International COGIC community by serving with distinction on the Women’s Advisory Board, State Music Executive Board and Mother’s Board. She fulfilled leadership roles as the Minister of Music, Special Programs Leader, supported the State Supervisor, and established Praise Chapel COGIC’s Children Church. Inell’s passion for community was evident through her servant leadership beyond the “four walls” of the church. She regularly engaged in prison ministry at Purdy Women’s Correctional Facility and Stafford Creek Correctional Facility, and co-founded a youth outreach and advocacy organization alongside her sister-in-law, Stephanie Jenkins (Laten), and Pastor R. J. Rivers.

Her marriage to Fredrick M. Shoecraft I was blessed with three children: Frederick M. Shoecraft II, Marquita M. Shoecraft and Anthony H. Shoecraft. The family attended Maranatha COGIC in Tacoma, WA under Pastor Miller. After graduating from Seattle Central College, she embarked on a distinguished career at Boeing dedicating more than 25 years of service. Her meticulous attention to detail and work ethic earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Inell’s commitment to excellence and unwavering faith culminated in the attainment of her Master of Theology degree from New Birth Midwest Theological University in 2017.

Often a place of respite for musical jam sessions, food, and fellowship, Inell’s home in South Seattle was familiar to neighborhood kids and community members alike. And despite her being renowned for being very health conscious–from being an avid walker and exerciser to regularly juicing and advocating for healthy eating–she was quite the baking aficionado (pistachio cake, pineapple upside down cake, or sweet potato pie, anyone?). All were welcome at her home and, in addition to music, she loved to give of herself through her baking and cooking.

On April 25, 2024, Inell transitioned from her graceful and purposeful life on earth into God’s eternal presence after a two-year journey with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Up until the end, she was loved, supported, and cared for, maintaining her trademark kindness, grace, compassion, faith, and deep love of family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers (Jack, Richard, and Jimmy Jenkins), and a sister (Elleree Harrison). A devoted mother of three and adored grandmother of five, Inell’s legacy is carried on through her children Anthony (Kim), Marquita, and Michael; grandchildren (Kanoah, Keita, Meilani, Morgan, and Zion), whom she loved with all her heart; and siblings Sonny Jenkins, Pastor Henry A. Jenkins, WA State Supervisor Mary Jean McGraw, Archie Jenkins, Laten Jenkins; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and vast church family.

Inell’s role as a matriarch exemplified kindness, service, resilience, and unconditional love. She was always easy to find sitting at a piano/organ or hanging out with the Sunshine Band teaching a song, and, last but not least, passing out snacks to kids. Inell will forever be remembered for her generous spirit, her bright and warm smile that could light up any room, her deep faith, and dedication to her family.

When I Must Leave You

When I must leave you
for a little while
Please do not grieve
and shed wild tears
and hug your sorrow
to you through the years

Start out bravely
with a gallant smile
and for my sake
and in my name,
live on and do
all things the same

Feed not your loneliness
on empty days,
but fill each waking hour
in useful ways

Reach out your hand
in comfort and cheer,
and I in turn
will comfort you
and hold you near

Never, never
be afraid to die,
For I am waiting
for you in the sky

By, Helen Steiner Rice 

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