The One and Only
Kaitlyn Inez "KJ" Jenkins
She is a beautiful soul who carries light in her smile and love in her bones.
- Unknown
Kaitlyn Inez “KJ” Jenkins was born on July 16, 2002 to her parents Gregory and Pearlie Jenkins. KJ was born and raised in the small town of Phenix City, AL. Growing up, KJ loved the spotlight and she was not afraid to sing or dance. She was our little “drama queen” that had to have everything in pink.
KJ accepted Christ at an early age and was an active member in the Youth Department and Choir. She matriculated through the Phenix City Schools System and graduated from Central High School in 2020. KJ was an honor roll student and was active in several sports and clubs such as Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Uplift Mentoring Group, and Interact Service Club.
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In August 2020, KJ moved to Birmingham, AL to start her new journey: college. After much thought and prayer, KJ decided that Lawson State Community College was the perfect fit for her. She would complete her basic courses in addition to Computer Science courses. During the spring semester, KJ began working out with the volleyball team at LSCC vying for a spot on the team. KJ’s hard work and dedication paid off as she was officially offered a position on the LSCC volleyball team. She accepted with great enthusiasm and played with the team for the remainder of her time at Lawson. She was also a member of the first team in LSCC volleyball history to compete in the NJCAA DI Championship tournament. While at LSCC, KJ was a member of the STEM club and a work-study employee. KJ graduated from
Lawson State Community College with honors in May 2022.
Fast forward to August 2022, KJ was settling into Foster Living Learning Complex on the campus of The Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University ready to begin her journey as a Bulldog. KJ was following in her mother and sister’s footsteps as they both graduated from AAMU in 1994 and 2020 respectfully. KJ was loving life on The Hill, making new friends and handling business with her coursework. She declared her major as Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the Fall semester, KJ completed an internship with SMX and had accepted a part time job with the company for the Spring semester. She also secured an internship with Northrop Grumman for the Summer 2023.
KJ was a truly a unique, kind, loving, and supportive young woman. She loved to dance, hang out with friends, and spend quality time with family. KJ loved all things pink or cheetah print from her keychain to her Crocs.
KJ was truly a light in the lives of so many and will continue to be.
To know KJ was to love her. If you didn't get a chance to meet her, you wish you had.