Catherine Elizabeth Walters-Jenkins' Obituary
Catherine Elizabeth Drew Walters-Jenkins
Catherine Elizabeth Drew Walters-Jenkins passed away peacefully in Georgia on Thursday, January 29, 2026. She was the third child of the late Orlando M. and Eleanor C. Drew of Clarksville, Delaware. Catherine spent her early years in Clarksville and cherished her upbringing in a family full of fun, love, and joy. She maintained her faith, strength, sense of humor, and joy and freely gave her gifts of hospitality, encouragement and mercy.
She attended the Delaware Public Schools in Sussex County and later obtained her GED in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Catherine, “Cathy” or “Cat” (as she was known by many) was a dedicated Household Technician, where she provided her services for many years. Together with her husband John, they moved their family to Philadelphia in the early 1960s. Cat enjoyed reading, music, traveling, and writing poetry. A phenomenal cook, she was regaled for her sought after greens!
Catherine was a faithful member of Union Wesley United Methodist Church. She served as a member of the Usher Board, Communion Stewards, Pastor Parish Relations Committee, United Methodist Women, Prayer Warrior Team, and Card Ministry. Prior to moving to Philadelphia, Union Wesley UMC was her spiritual foundation. It was there that Catherine’s soprano voice rang out as part of the Bells of Zion.
Catherine retired to Delaware where she maintained a welcoming and openly supportive home and her gifts of hospitality were immediately put to use. She had a love for God and established a blueprint for intercessory prayer.
She later connected with a childhood friend, Harvey Jenkins, Sr. whom she married in 2020.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her first husband, John H. Walters and her six brothers: Fred L. Drew, Sr., Orlando M. Drew, Jr., Elwood O. Drew, Martin A. Drew, Stephen E. Drew, Sr., and Edward T. Drew.
Catherine leaves to celebrate her life, her husband Harvey Jenkins, Sr. (Chesapeake, VA), along with her five children: Stephanie Lawrence (Edwin) of Fayetteville, GA; Bryan Walters (Shirley) of Philadelphia, PA; Kim Walters (Celeste) of Philadelphia, PA; Crystal Williams (Kenneth) of Philadelphia, PA; Lisha Gist of Millsboro, DE. One sister, Rev. C. Claudia Waters (Morris) of Clarksville, DE. Two step-sons, Harvey Jenkins, Jr. (Sheryl) and Michael Jenkins both of Chesapeake, VA. 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Union Wesley United Methodist Church, 32137 Powell Farm Rd, Frankford, DE 19945. A viewing will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM prior to the service. Interment will immediately follow in the adjoining church cemetery.
Please visit Catherine’s Life Memorial at https://www.watsonfh.com.
***FLORISTS - PLEASE DELIVER FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026 BETWEEN 1 PM AND 2 PM.
What’s your fondest memory of Catherine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Catherine?
Share a story where Catherine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Catherine you’ll never forget.
How did Catherine make you smile?
