Frederico Donnell Jenkins Iii

Frederico Donnell Jenkins III was born at Regional Medical Hospital in Memphis, TN on January 7, 1986, to Juanita and Fred Jenkins Jr. He transitioned to eternal life on December 17, 2015, at Vanderbilt Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. Frederico was known as Rico, “Rico Suave” and more affectionately known as “Boi” by his sisters. He will be forever remembered to all for his infectious smile and willingness to help others.

Rico was educated in Metro Nashville Public Schools system, and graduated from Hunters Lane High School in 2004. However, Rico forever carried in his heart and on his arm, his love for Whites Creek High School. While in high school and following graduation, Rico worked for McDonald’s and catered with his mother. He worked full-time up until his health began to fail him on December 26, 2007. However, Rico did not let his health issues slow him down, nor take his independence. He continued to work catering functions whenever possible. He ran his own Home day care for his nieces, nephews, and close friends. On March 4, 2015, Rico received renewed hope to return to full time employment by receiving a kidney. Once cleared by the doctors, he returned to work full time as an Assistant Manager for KFC. At the time of his passing, he was employed with Xerox as a Benefits Enrollment Representative.

Though faced with many health setbacks, Rico enjoyed living life. He enjoyed dancing, and was a member of KE KrEw dance team. He enjoyed skating on Sunday nights at Rivergate Skate Center when his health would allow. Rico would spend countless hours with friends and family, laughing and talking, joking and playing around. When he would walk in a room, your heart would smile at his presence.

Rico accepted Christ at an early age at First Baptist South Inglewood, under the leadership of Reverend Henry K. Smith. Although he encountered many obstacles in his life, he kept his faith and maintained a personal relationship with God. It was through his faith that he could smile and laugh in the midst of all the pain that he endured. No matter what the obstacle, Rico gave God praise. At the time of his transition, he was a member of Ebenezer Community Church, under the leadership of Pastor Cornelius A. Hill.

Rico has reunited in heaven with his loving grandparents, Josephine and Fred Jenkins Sr., and Johnny Midgett; and aunt, Delia Midgett.

His memory will be forever cherished by his parents, Juanita (Larry) Moore and Fred (Tamara) Jenkins Jr.; sisters, Antonia (Everett) Whitfield, Alexandria (Brandon) Mitchell, Porsche Atkins, Corine Moore, and Victoria Smith-Jenkins; brother, Blaide Smith-Jenkins; grandmothers, Maria Castro and Irene Scruggs-Midgett; nieces, Autumn Brock, Brooklyn Mitchell, and Josiett Perry; nephews, Michael Brock Jr. and Corbin Jones; aunts, Maria (Joseph)Black, Alma Midgett, Barbara (Royce) May, Idella Gomez, Marcella (Michael) Clover, Jennifer (Terry) Woods, and Afi Scruggs; uncles, Johnny (Vanessa) Jenkins, James Jenkins, Maurrice Jenkins, Norberto (Andrea) Midgett, and Max Scruggs; devoted cousins, Travis Jenkins and Leroy Reed Jr.; devoted friends, Sylvia Roberts and family, Jeleva Pack, Taneisha Alexander, Barshion Inmon-Tircuit, Phillip McGowan, and Aramagasalis Ellis; and host of other relatives and friends.