Aneita Jenkins

ANEITA JENKINS, affectionately called “Nen,” died at the age of 73 in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Monday, December 8, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends.

Aneita was born on February 12, 1952, to Wellesley Jenkins and Monica Barrett in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, and was the first of nine children. She attended Lottery All-Age School, where at the age of 13 she passed the Common Entrance Examination and went on to Montego Bay High School for Girls. It was also at age 13 when she was baptized, beginning her lifelong journey with Christ. Throughout her teenage years, she not only excelled academically but also distinguished herself as a mentor and youth leader in her church and community.

After graduating from high school, Aneita began her career in education at Lottery All-Age School as a pre-trained teacher. After two years, she matriculated to Shortwood Teachers’ College, where she became fully trained as a teacher, completing her course of study through an internship at Grange Hill Secondary School. So fond was she of the school that even after her internship ended, she chose to remain and teach there for a short while longer.

Following her departure from Grange Hill Secondary School, Aneita furthered her studies at the University of the West Indies, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Upon completion, she returned to her alma mater, Shortwood Teachers’ College, where she joined the teaching staff.

In 1990, Aneita was offered a teaching position at Freeport Anglican High School in Freeport, The Bahamas. She eagerly embraced this opportunity and spent the next 13 years shaping and molding the minds of her students. While deeply committed to academic excellence, she also remained steadfast in her dedication to mentorship and leadership within the church.

Recognizing that she was being called to an even higher purpose, Aneita eventually bid farewell to The Bahamas and relocated to the United States of America. After teaching at multiple institutions, she finally found her professional “home” at Glades Central Community High School. Throughout her tenure there, she faced many challenges, ranging from long early-morning and late-evening commutes to mastering emerging technologies and integrating them into her teaching practice. In true Aneita fashion, she overcame every obstacle with determination and an unwavering commitment to her students’ success.

Aneita prided herself on excellence—both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. She consistently pushed her students to go the extra mile and found creative ways to motivate them to achieve high academic standards. On one occasion, she boldly promised to reward each student with $100 if they earned an “A.” Her students rose to the challenge, earning an overwhelming number of A’s. Faced with her predicament but filled with pride, Aneita responded simply and resolutely: “I made a promise, and I have to fulfill it. My word is my bond.”

One of Aneita’s most fulfilling accomplishments was organizing and facilitating the Glades Central National Honor Society for outstanding young men and women. She envisioned an honor society that recognized not only academic excellence but also exemplary manners, respect, decency, and hard work. Under her leadership, the society grew into something far greater than its name. She meticulously planned each investiture ceremony, ensuring that every occasion was regal and dignified—befitting princes and princesses. She was, after all, the “Queen Mother.”

Her students loved her deeply, and that love endured long after they moved on. Former students frequently returned to her classroom, a testament to the profound and lasting impact she had on their lives. Aneita also touched the lives of her colleagues, serving not only as a member of the teaching faculty but as a mentor to new teachers, guiding them with wisdom, patience, and encouragement as they developed their skills and found their voices.

Aneita’s influence as an educator extended far beyond the classroom and into her church community and personal life. She mentored and led with kindness, compassion, understanding, and love. She listened without judgment, offering prayers of encouragement and often a relatable scripture to bring comfort. Her life reflected unwavering faith, service, and commitment. She was widely known as a reliable, dependable, and punctual servant of God—qualities she demonstrated consistently in every role she undertook.

For many years, Aneita faithfully led a weekly Bible study each Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m., beginning at Grace Fellowship. As the church transitioned to Connect Church West and later became Connect Church Acreage, Aneita remained steadfast through every change. Her loyalty and dedication never wavered, and she continued to serve with humility, grace, and a genuine love for God’s people.

Throughout her ministry, Aneita served in various roles, including Connection Group Leader and devoted host of prayer meetings. She created safe and compassionate spaces for individuals and families to come together in prayer—whether facing health challenges, family concerns, spiritual struggles, or everyday trials. Her heart for intercession brought comfort, strength, and hope to many.

In addition to her spiritual leadership, Aneita served selflessly in practical ways. Each Sunday, she joyfully volunteered in the church cafeteria, offering warm meals, hot drinks, and a welcoming smile. This simple yet meaningful act reflected her servant’s heart and her belief that ministry is expressed not only through words, but through action.

Though the classroom was Aneita’s calling, the legacy of her life is written not only in books and grades, but in character, purpose, and lives forever changed. She lived as she taught—with a passionate mind guided by a heart devoted to Christ and to others.

Aneita gave of herself freely and without reservation. Her life was a living example of faith in action, defined by compassion, generosity, perseverance, and love. She demonstrated that true education is not only about what you teach others to learn, but what you leave behind for them to become. Her legacy affirms that her life’s greatest lessons were not only taught well—but beautifully lived.

Aneita was preceded in death by her parents, Wellesley Jenkins and Monica Barrett.

Left to cherish her beautiful legacy and treasured memories are her eight siblings (five sisters and three brothers), 26 nieces and nephews, 18 grand-nieces and grand-nephews, extended relatives, colleagues, students, and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

Aneita Jenkins ̈Nen ̈

February 12, 1952- December 8, 2025

̈ Honor her for all that her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gate ̈-

Proverbs 31:31