TYLER, Texas — Friends and family of Marvin Jenkins, one of the five people killed in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 110 in Smith County, gathered Saturday to celebrate the life of the person they called a "light in the room."
"I [saw] the picture of us and I love the picture of whenever he throws the leaves in the sky. And Joe is just standing there with the ball in his hand and I’m just walking this way and I’m just this little," said Lexie Jenkins, Marvin Jenkins' daughter
Memories like these are all the Marvin’s family has left. Marvin’s family had no idea July 22 would be their last day with him.
The celebration of life was also a time for reflection --many wearing matching shirts in support of his family; and though the loss may be hard, the love is strong, and the memories are even stronger.
"He was a good father, for sure. Always there for this family," said Joseph Jenkins, Marvin Jenkins' son.
Marvin’s sister called him the "light of the room." Everyone would smile when he would walk in and he always had a good attitude.
"Joyful. He was always happy always kept a smile and made other people happy…yeah joyful," said Joseph.