Arthur J. Jenkins

Arthur John Jenkins was born May 11, 1952, in Brooklyn, New York, the beloved son of the late Howard Joseph Jenkins Sr. and Gloria Lovinia Simpson Jenkins.  He peacefully departed this earthly life on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at his residence in Columbia, South Carolina.

“Johnboy” and “Artie,” as he was affectionately called by family and friends, was educated in the public schools of Long Island, New York, where he graduated from Bay Shore Senior High School in  the Class of 1970. While residing in New York, he was employed as an electrician at Macfillman Lighting located in Amityville, New York. After relocating to Columbia, he began working for the Columbia Housing Authority Maintenance at the Hendley Homes Complex; after several years he transferred to CHA Painting department. He later joined Arthur Smith and became partners forming Arthur & Arthur Painting Company, eventually forming his own business, Arthur Jenkins Painting Company from which he retired after more than twenty-five years of service.

Johnboy was truly a “Jack of all trades” and will be remembered for his hardworking spirit and willingness to lend a helping hand when and wherever needed. He found great joy in cooking on the grill, fishing and watching sports, especially cheering on his favorite team, the Carolina Panthers.

Johnboy will be remembered for touching the lives of countless people through his generosity, compassion and selfless nature.  While he cherished time spent with family and friends, his greatest joy was being with his children and  grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by the mother of his three children, Frances Doctor-Brice; his significant other of 25 years, Betty Gilmore; sister, Anna Jenkins;  brothers, Howard Jr., and Kenneth Jenkins; and Betty’s son, Willie Gilmore.

Those who are cherishing fond and precious memoires of Arthur are his loving daughter, Tabitha (Coby) Rivers; sons, Johnathan Brice, Arthur Brice, Calvin (Alicia) Brice, Jr. and Andre (Crystal) Brice; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; special and dear to his heart , Annette Haltiwanger, Lamont Gilmore and Anthony Gilmore ; his  loving sisters, Gloria (Claude) Rine, Chesapeake, VA; Gail J. Richard, Lake Charles, LA, and Theresa J. Brannon, Lelan, NC; caring brothers, James Jenkins, Leland, NC, Michael Jenkins, Steven Jenkins, and Thomas Jenkins, all of Arizona; a host of nephews, nieces and other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will dearly miss him.

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