Garrett Jenkins' Obituary
Garrett Walter Jenkins, 21, ended his life on March 26, 2020 at his home in Tulsa, OK. He was born February 11, 1999 to Paul Wayne Jenkins and Marla McCutchen Thomas. He graduated with honors from the Texas ChalleNGe Academy in Iraan, TX in December 2016, and attended college courses at Tarrant County Community College and Tulsa Community College.
Growing up, Garrett lived in Tulsa, then Lexington, SC, Owasso, OK and Fort Worth, TX. He returned to Tulsa in 2018. While attending college he worked at QT, Macy’s Fulfillment Center, Jason’s Deli, Bama Pie Company and Cameron Glass.
Garrett had a large circle of loving family and friends. From his mother’s side, he is survived by his mother Marla McCutchen Thomas and her husband Todd Thomas, sister Simone, step-sisters Candace and Trinity, maternal grandmothers Cindy Evans and Dena McCutchen, uncles and aunts Jeremy and Camber Evans, Sarah McCutchen, Bryce and Kristen Wootten and T.K. Wootten and cousins McKayla, Carson, Brooklyn, Wyatt, Brody and Riley. Garrett was preceded in death in 2011 by his maternal grandfather Walter Cloyce McCutchen. From his father’s side, he is survived by his father Paul Wayne Jenkins and wife-to-be Tanna Rhoads, step-sister Peyton and step-brother Ethan, paternal grandmother Sharon Reynolds King, and aunt Jessica Gates. Garrett was preceded in death in 2001 by his paternal grandfather, Clifford Jenkins.
Garrett was completely larger than life and unforgettable. He had a huge heart and fiercely loved his family and friends. Everyone who knew him has a story to tell, and Garrett relished all his life’s experiences and adventures. His curious and fearless spirit was contagious, as was his boisterous laugh and silly jokes. He loved to travel and had a passion for learning and exploring. There are so many happy memories with him, and they greatly outnumber the challenging times. He was so determined to be independent and his fearless nature often scared those who loved him, but it was never his intention to cause stress or harm to others. I know so many have had some of their best conversations, laughs and debates with him. He loved his animals and adopted a kitty, naming him Cheech, that has lovingly been placed with a family member since his passing.
In the spirit of Garrett’s open and honest personality, his family hopes that being upfront about his suicide may help others to cope with similar losses. We ask you to take the time now to let your friends and family know that you love and cherish them. We ask that you open your heart and offer compassion without judgment for those who suffer from illness and addiction rooted in stigma, trauma or shame, and continue to pass this message on to others.
While we navigate the unusual circumstances of current events and limits on travel and social gatherings, we will postpone a celebration of life for Garrett until a later date. Until that time, we invite you to connect with us and share your stories, photos and memories. We do ask that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to any of the following organizations that have been a part of his journey and of essential help to our family along the way.
Mental Health Association of Oklahoma: https://mhaok.force.com/OrderApi__campaign?id=a9B2K000000TNTj&site=a8yA0000000blvhIAA
Tulsa Equality Center: http://www.okeq.org/donate.html
Family and Children’s Services OK:
RIP our sweet Buzz Lightyear. We will see you in the infinity, and beyond, forever.
Services pending
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