from Freed-Hardeman University:
https://plannedgiving.fhu.edu/meet-our-donors/jeff-and-laura-jenkins
It was a fate that was destined to be for Jeff Jenkins and his future wife, Laura Colley. Both
students had strong family ties to Freed-Hardeman College, starting with their grandparents. When
it came time for each of them to further their education, Freed-Hardeman seemed to be the natural
choice. Just like their parents, Jeff and Laura met at Freed-Hardeman, became great friends and
started dating before they graduated in 1981. Dating turned to engagement and then to marriage;
all the while, Jeff and Laura leaned on each other and their faith.
Their marriage would bring them two children and take them to North Alabama, where Jeff
preached on Faulkner University’s campus for three and a half years and then another decade of
preaching. Then they were off to Oklahoma City for another decade of preaching and finally a 15
year stint at Lewisville Church of Christ in Lewisville, Texas. Through all these moves, Jeff and
Laura leaned on each other and their faith.
The difficulty of moving and preaching was minimal, however, when compared to Laura’s
battle with cancer, a recurring fight that lasted many years, until ultimately she received the
wonderful call to her forever home June 20, 2019. Through this roller coaster of a fight, Jeff and
Laura always leaned on each other and their faith.
Jeff believes others such as he and Laura are still at Freed-Hardeman today—young men
and women looking for God’s call on their life and willing to partner in family-building and
ministry together. Because of this belief and to honor his beloved Laura, Jeff has established the
Laura Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund.
This scholarship will help Freed-Hardeman students who intend to become preachers. “I’m
a preacher, my father was a preacher, my grandfather was an elder and a preacher, and my wife’s
father and grandfather were preachers,” Jeff said. “I want her to be remembered through this
scholarship for her love for the Lord, Freed-Hardeman University, and for preachers,” he said.
Jeff’s experience setting up this scholarship has been an encouragement to him—leading
him to push others to follow his lead. “Try to do it. Go through with it,” he said. “The people in
the advancement office are very helpful, and they will help you along the way.”
Freed-Hardeman is where Jeff and Laura met and fell in love. It is only fitting that future
Freed-Hardeman University students will get to hear their story and learn about Laura through this
important scholarship. Those interested in honoring a loved one and helping provide future support
to FHU students are encouraged to contact Adam Cross at across@fhu.edu or 731-989-6946.
Editor’s Note: Since Jeff is with us this weekend to conduct a grief seminar, Beyond the
Valley, I thought it would be appropriate for each of us to have the opportunity to learn more about
three things very important to Jeff, namely the Lord’s church, his late wife, Laura, and Freed
Hardeman University. I’m sure Jeff can provide additional information to anyone interested in
honoring Laura through this special scholarship. —RCV
