Daphne Jenkins

Daphne Jenkins, born on January 29, 1963, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Geraldine Reid-Goggins and the late Willie Jenkins, went home to her creator on December 30, 2020, at the age of 57. Daphne died from complications due to COVID-19, at Temple University Hospital, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Daphne grew up in North Philadelphia and graduated from Girls High School in 1980, Suma Cum Laude with varsity letters in Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball. Daphne continued her educational studies at a post-secondary trade school and graduated in 1982.

As a teen, Daphne loved sports. She won many trophies for basketball and flag football, and early on, she began getting involved in the community, volunteering at M. Hall Stanton Elementary School's after school programs for the neighborhood children, where she not only volunteered but participated in tutoring, dance, gymnastics, and performing arts. Daphne worked with the adult counselors at the school and developed a program for teen girls called, “Girls on the Rise". At the age of 18, Daphne proudly joined the Republican Party, which further pique her interest in the community and catapulted her into an unofficial community services role of Block Captain. In 1982, Daphne began working at Biosis, a science research company. When she left Biosis, Daphne became the Social/Community Services Coordinator for Interstate Realty, where she managed numerous properties, organizing a wide array of services that positively impacted the families in the Chester, Haddington, and West Popular communities. Daphne served as block captain where she currently lives and is well known for organizing annual block parties and trips to Dorney Park. She loved working for the community, and she gave out the City's free lunches, and water ice to the neighborhood kids during the Summer months. She would also collect donations of bikes, games, and toys and organize Christmas, and back-to-school supplies and backpack drives annually. She also organized Unity Days in Chester, and North and West Philadelphia for many years.

Daphne was and will always be known by all as a focused, energetic, and incredibly passionate community advocate. She was a staple in her community and beyond. A humble and loyal servant to anyone in need of help. Whatever Daphne did, she did it with a huge heart and a courageous spirit. She fought hard for the underserved population and served countless organizations in her lifetime, including, The Sonny League, where she coached men's basketball. She also coached the Haddington Men's Basketball team to multiple championship appearances and commissioned the 15th and York Street Men’s Basketball League. She was the former Prevention Partner at Turning Points for Children, volunteered for the F.A.S.T. Program, served on the board of La Salle College High School Mothers’ Club, and served numerous other schools and organizations in various capacities. Daphne was the Philadelphia 16th District Ward Leader, and in May, 2020, she was appointed to the role of Pennsylvania State Director for Blexit. And her highest honor, was that of her historical endorsement by the Republican Party in 2019, as the first ever African American, Woman, Republican Candidate for Mayor of the City of Philadelphia.

Daphne was of deep Christian faith. She loved and believed in God. She knew that she was truly blessed! She loved her family and was a big music fan who loved Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Earth, Wind and Fire, and the Isley Brothers!

Daphne is survived by her three sons; Maurice, David, and William, two grandsons; Amare, and Ayden, six brothers; Cedric, Joseph, Nick, Lafayette, Willie, Jr., and Otis, four sisters; Genevie (Zackery), Rose, Valerie, and Ruth, nephews; Sandor, Cedric, Jr., Anwar, Qasim, Hakim, Zackery, Jr., Nick, Jr., and Sam, nieces; Barbara, Alisha, Krystal, Dominic, Genene, Geraldine, Nasya, and Janiyah, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by brothers; Samuel, and Ernest, and sisters; Louise, and Tracey.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 12:00-2:00pm ET on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Victory Church, 2650 Audubon Road, Audubon, PA 19403. The service will be officiated by Rev. Michel J. Faulkner.

Due to the current rules, regulations, and guidelines of the COVID-19 Pandemic, there will not be a Repast. The Memorial Service for Daphne is “PRIVATE”. The family is asking that “only family and a few close invited friends attend”. The Memorial Service will be video streamed, and all other relatives, friends, and co-workers are invited to attend.

Flowers and condolences may be sent to 3725 N. Bouvier Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140