Emily Benekin, affectionately known as Earline, was born on March 11, 1950 in Pineville, SC, a daughter of the late Henry Jenkins and Mamie Washington Jenkins. Earline was the seventh of twelve children. As a child, she migrated with her family to Jersey City, New Jersey in the fall of 1959. She attended the Jersey City Public School System where she consistently excelled above grade level requirements. Her high academic achievements earned her the distinguished honor of being moved up two grade levels. Earline graduated from Lincoln High School in 1969. Earline accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age. She was baptized and became a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a faithful member. Earline loved singing and she was a favored soloist for the Young Adult Choir, Gospel Chorus, James N. Williams Mass Choir, and her family group, the "Generation Singers". She was a gifted and anointed singer who sang to glorify God. At New Hope, Earline also served with the Newsletter Ministry Team. She enjoyed writing and editing articles for the newsletter publication. Earline was united in marriage to the love of her life, Roy Benekin, on October 17, 1972. They were blessed with two healthy children, Peggy and Jarrod. Earline began her career as an office clerk and over time was promoted to team leader. She was a dedicated and trusted employee for AT&T/Lucent Technologies for the majority of her work years. She retired from AT&T/Lucent and resumed active employment at Thomson Reuters Financial Services for a few additional years. Earline's permanent retirement was realized in 2009 after nearly 40 years of service. Upon retirement, she made her home in McDonough, Georgia. Shortly after relocating to Georgia, Earline joined Greenforest Community Baptist Church. There she was a member of the Glory Fulfillment Hour/Sunday School Class and was a happy Praise and Worship participant. Earline played many important roles during her lifetime: daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and friend. She left a little of her very special self with each person she touched. She was tough, yet tender, smart but shy, funny, talented and loving. She was loved very much by her entire family and an absolute joy to her nieces and nephews. Earline transitioned to eternal rest on December 26, 2013 in Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia. She was predeceased by her husband, Roy Benekin; parents, Henry and Mamie Jenkins; brothers, Samuel and John Jenkins; and sister, Carolyn Denise Jenkins-Jones. She leaves to cherish her memory: a beloved daughter, Peggy N. Benekin of Decatur, GA; a beloved son, Jarrod R. Benekin of McDonough, GA; five sisters: Geneva Davis and husband Johnny, Willie Mae Waiters, Julia Hymes and husband Freddie of Moncks Corner, SC, Evon Gourdine and husband Al of Stockbridge, GA, Barbara Hauser and husband Bernard of Jersey City, NJ, ; three brothers, Jeff Jenkins and wife Jeanette of St. Stephen, SC, Earl Jenkins and Jasper Jenkins of Jersey City, NJ; a dear mother-in-law, Viola S. Benekin of Pineville, SC; two brothers-in-law, James Waiters Sr. of Jersey City, NJ and Truman A. Benekin of Pineville, SC; three sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Benekin of Marsh, PA, Mary C. Hollis of North Carolina and Lareese Postell of Florida; two goddaughters, Korall J. Hymes of Jersey City, NJ and Tanyesha Campbell of Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.