Thuan "TJ" Machael Jenkins

We announce with deep sorrow the passing of Thuan “TJ” Machael Jenkins, born on September 30th, 1991, in Washington, D.C., who departed this life on April 29th, 2026, in Spotsylvania, Virginia. Though his time with us was far too short, the love, laughter, and unforgettable memories he created will live on forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. TJ was the kind of person whose presence could transform a room. He was blessed with one of the most infectious and contagious laughs anyone had ever heard, it had the ability to lift a heavy heart and transmute it into joy. His laugh proved the saying “laughter is good for the soul” to be true. If you ever spent time with him, you knew there was never a dull moment in his company. He had a rare gift for making people feel instantly at ease—his modest character was so welcoming that strangers became friends, and friends became family. His genuine spirit, warm heart, and natural humor made him unforgettable. No matter what someone was facing, TJ always found a way to bring a smile to their face. Laughter was one of his love languages. TJ was a true jack of all trades and was admired for his many talents and creativity. In his early years, he discovered his athletic abilities while playing little league football for the Woodland Tigers in Washington, DC. In those moments, he learned the importance of teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship and committed himself to motivating the team to play hard and win. During his high school years, he was known as a force on the football field—someone people admired, respected, and remembered. Anyone who knew TJ also knew his unwavering love for the Dallas Cowboys. If you spent enough time around him, you were bound to hear him talking football, defending his team, or joking about the latest game. Football was something he genuinely enjoyed and was another reflection of the energy and passion he carried throughout his life. In addition to his athletic abilities, TJ was a self-taught acrobat, he fearlessly showed his ability to do back flips from an ascended level and was proud of his skills. Beyond athletics, he possessed remarkable artistic abilities, by expressing himself through drawing and designing tattoos; he also had a natural talent for creating home improvement projects by turning almost anything into something meaningful. He was smart and gifted and used his hands to share his visions, thoughts, and artistic passion with the world around him, especially his family. He continuously pushed himself to learn and master new skills. TJ found his passion in the construction and carpentry industry; he dedicated himself to learning every aspect of the trade. He held leadership roles working for contracting companies on projects that required him to travel for months at a time, many of the projects were with well-known brands. TJ’s modest personality was the cornerstone of his success and ability to work under pressure. His work as a contractor often required him to work alongside people of various ethnicities and backgrounds, even in the face of challenges he remained strong and determined. He took pride in fixing, building, and restoring properties, pouring care and craftsmanship into every project. He believed in hard work, growth, and becoming the best version of himself for the people he loved. TJ’s proudest roles were being a dedicated husband and father. His family was his world; he ensured them through his actions that they were loved and protected. Some of his happiest moments were the simple ones spent with his children – playing video games, tossing a football, trying to outrun them in a racing challenge or the secret handshakes they shared with one another. His fun time with his kids were eventful; from teaching them to ride their dirt bikes to laughing with them during playful boxing matches. His wife and children were his pride and joy; he worked relentlessly to create a balanced life for them and cherished creating loving memories. TJ leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Brianna Jenkins; his beloved children, Marliz Aleya Guerra, Zae’Shaun Machael Jenkins, Za’Khi Terrance Jenkins, Za’Rique Robert Jenkins, Za’Kharri Jenkins, and Ze’Nahq Sovereignty Jenkins; his mother, Marvette Jenkins; his brothers, Willie Whitaker, Angelo Jenkins, and Tyrelle Jenkins; his cherished grandparents, Queenester Whitaker, Phillip “Bo” Jenkins, and Joanne Jenkins; his great-grandmother, Onnie Whitaker; his aunt, Sonia Whitaker; his cousins, Donte’ Jenkins, DeMare’ Jenkins, Jerome Joyner, Juwan Joyner, Messiah Joyner, Chris Prophet, and Devin Edwards; his Uncles; John Corey Edwards, Maurice Jamel Edwards, along with countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many other immediate and extended family members. His special friend Will or “Flat” as TJ always called him, His sister-in-law Alexis or “Muffin” as they called one another, His mother-in-law “Boppy” and so many others who shared special moments with and will forever be touched by TJ’s love and friendship. He was preceded in death by his father, Thuan Jenkins; his grandparents, Marvin Whitaker and Harvin Irick; and his uncle, Terrance Jenkins. TJ’s legacy is not measured only by his career and talents, but by his ability to touch lives with laughter. He extended kindness and authenticity to others, people who met him walked away with a story, a smile, or a memory they would never forget. Though he will be deeply missed, TJ’s spirit and honor will continue to live on through every laugh shared, every hand of friendship extended, every work relationship that turned into cherished, every creation he made, and special moments he shared with everyone he loved and held dear to his heart. Forever Loved. Forever Remembered. Forever TJ.

Tributes

Thuan "TJ" Machael Jenkins

April 29, 2026