Melinda Collette Counts Jenkins was born to Clinton A. Counts (Deceased) and Myrtle Smith Counts in Elizabeth, NJ on May 14, 1960 and departed this life on August 19, 2024. She had one older sister Beverly M. Counts Smith (Deceased).

Melinda attended the Roselle Public School System. She later worked several years for Amcest in Roselle. Then moved on to Prudential for a number of years before continuing her work experience at Kean University where she retired from after 25 years. 

She leaves to mourn her loving mother Myrtle, her husband Willie Jenkins, 3 children, Najeebah T. Walden, Ash-shakoor E. Walden and Kenyetta N. Counts. Godchild Dana Johnson. 3 Step children, Shanell, Shaana and Tabias Scott. 1 Brother in law, 3 Sisters in law. 1 Son in law Abdul Jabbar. 7 Grandchildren. Najee, Shaniya, Aniyah, Tahiyah, Tiannah, Al-Tjuan and Nailah. 1 Great granddaughter Aylah. Her nephew and niece (aka brother and sister) Glenn and Larayne Smith. 12 step nieces and nephews. Her lifetime friends and support system Rita Rhame & Jeanean Chapman and a host of other relatives, family and friends.