Some love stories are quiet but powerful. Winndye Jenkins and Larry Hoover’s story is one of them. She isn’t a celebrity or someone who appears on talk shows, but her life has touched many hearts. Why? Because of how deeply she loves, how strongly she believes, and how long she’s stayed loyal.
Winndye Jenkins is best known as Larry Hoover’s wife—the man who once led the Gangster Disciples in Chicago and is now serving six life sentences. But her story isn’t just about being someone’s wife. It’s about hope, faith, and standing by the person you love for over 50 years.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Winndye Jenkins really is. We’ll explore how she met Larry, what she’s gone through, and why her journey still matters so much today in 2026.
Winndye Jenkins Quick Bio
| Full Name | Winndye Jenkins |
| Also Known As | Winndye Hoover |
| Date of Birth | August 12, 1950 |
| Age (2026) | 76 years old |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Larry Hoover |
| Marriage Date | January 9, 2020 |
| Children | Larry Hoover Jr., Samaya Hoover |
| Grandchildren | Yes (including Larry Hoover III) |
| Known For | Larry Hoover’s wife, advocate |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, speaker, activist |
| Net Worth | Around $4 million |
| Residence | United States |
Who Is Winndye Jenkins?
Winndye Jenkins is a strong, kind, and deeply loyal woman. Many people know her as Larry Hoover’s wife, but she’s much more than that. She’s a mother, a grandmother, an advocate, and a woman who never gave up—no matter how hard life got.
She was born on August 12, 1950, in the United States. As of 2026, she is 76 years old. Winndye is African-American and grew up in a Christian family. Her life has never been easy, but she always stayed grounded in love and faith.
People who know her story often say the same thing: she’s a quiet fighter. She never wanted the spotlight, but her actions speak louder than any headline.
Early Life of Winndye Jenkins
Winndye grew up during a time when life was tough for many Black families in America. The world was different back then, and opportunities were limited. But even as a young girl, she showed signs of strength and patience.
She came from a simple, Christian home. While we don’t know a lot about her childhood or schooling, we know she had the heart of a survivor. These early life lessons shaped how she would handle the many challenges ahead.
Before meeting Larry Hoover, Winndye lived a normal life. But once their paths crossed, everything changed. Her story turned into one of love, waiting, and never giving up.
How Winndye Jenkins Met Larry Hoover
It was the late 1960s when Winndye met Larry Hoover in Chicago. She was young and full of hope. Larry was already known on the streets, building what would become the Gangster Disciples. Many saw him as powerful and feared. But Winndye saw more than that.
She saw a man with dreams. A man who made her laugh. A man who cared for his people. Their bond grew quickly. They became close not just as a couple, but as partners who supported each other through everything.
Some people fall in love and walk away when life gets hard. But Winndye stayed. She stood by Larry even when trouble came knocking—and it did, sooner than she could have imagined.
Life After Larry Hoover’s Arrest
In 1973, everything changed. Larry Hoover was arrested for the murder of William Young. Later, in 1997, he was charged again—this time for drug conspiracy and other serious crimes. The court gave him six life sentences.
For most people, that would be the end of the relationship. But not for Winndye Jenkins.
She didn’t walk away. Instead, she raised their family, visited Larry in prison, and kept their love strong even through prison walls. That kind of loyalty is rare. She became both mother and father at home, while still being a wife in spirit—even if not yet in law.
While the world called Larry a gang leader, Winndye simply called him her partner.
Being Larry Hoover’s Wife Behind Bars
For many years, Winndye and Larry were not allowed to get married. Every time they tried, the prison said no. But she didn’t stop trying.
Then, after more than 50 years of being together, something amazing happened. On January 9, 2020, Winndye Jenkins and Larry Hoover finally got married—inside the prison. It wasn’t a big wedding with flowers and music. But to them, it meant everything.
Imagine waiting that long just to say, “I do.” That’s the kind of love Winndye has. Being Larry Hoover’s wife hasn’t been easy. But for her, it was worth every tear, every wait, and every mile she had to travel just to see him.
Motherhood and Family Struggles
When Larry was first sent to prison, Winndye was already pregnant. She gave birth to Larry Hoover Jr. and raised him mostly by herself. That meant school runs, doctor visits, and all the day-to-day work of being a mom—all without her partner by her side.
To keep her son safe, Winndye didn’t send him to public school. She didn’t want people treating him differently because of his last name. Instead, she gave him the best life she could. He went on to attend Brother Rice High School and later graduated from Morris Brown College in Atlanta.
Winndye also has a daughter named Samaya Hoover. Larry Sr. has two more children—Larry Bernard (Lil Larry) and Tyree Hoover—from other relationships. No matter what, Winndye made sure the family stayed strong and connected.
Winndye Jenkins and Prison Visits
For many years, Winndye could only visit Larry Hoover three times a year. That’s not much for a family. And the visits weren’t easy either. They had to sit behind a glass wall. No hugs. No holding hands. Just short, watched conversations.
Sometimes, she and their kids would plan a visit, but the prison canceled it last minute. No reason was given. Just “no visit today.” Still, Winndye didn’t stop going. She packed her things and traveled long hours just to show up.
She wanted Larry to feel remembered. She didn’t want him to feel forgotten behind bars. Her visits were a lifeline for him—and a sign of love that never faded.
False Accusations and Business Loss
Winndye Jenkins tried to build a business for herself. She started a clothing and concert-promotion company. It was doing well, and she was proud of it. But then, everything turned upside down.
Government agents began saying she was using the business to launder money for Larry Hoover. They had no proof. Still, they went to her customers and warned them not to work with her. Many backed away out of fear.
Winndye was never arrested. She was never charged with anything. But the damage was done. Her business was ruined. Even through that, she stayed calm. She spoke out, saying she had never touched drugs or done anything wrong.
Fighting for Larry Hoover’s Freedom
Even after all the pain, Winndye didn’t stop fighting for Larry. She helped create The Larry Hoover Project, a group trying to get him out of the supermax prison or, at the very least, out of solitary confinement.
Larry Hoover has spent over 9,000 hours alone in a small cell. That kind of isolation can break people. But Winndye believed things could change. She believed he could be moved into the Step-Down Program, which helps prisoners live in a less strict setting.
She wasn’t alone in this. Her son, Larry Hoover Jr., joined the fight. So did famous rapper Kanye West, who spoke about the case at the White House and held a “Free Larry Hoover” concert with Drake. Winndye’s strength inspired others to stand with her.
Larry Hoover’s Wife Builds a Legacy
Winndye didn’t just focus on Larry. She also wanted to help others. With her son, she helped launch the Paradigm Shift Academy—a group that teaches young people to stay out of gangs and focus on better paths in life.
Her son gives talks at schools and community events. He tells kids that even though his dad was a gang leader, he was raised to think differently. He was raised to focus on peace, books, and building a better future.
Winndye turned her pain into purpose. She didn’t just sit back and suffer. She helped build something that could save lives. That is part of what makes Larry Hoover’s wife someone worth knowing.
What People Say About Winndye Jenkins
Many people admire her. They see her as strong, loyal, and loving. Some can’t believe she stayed with Larry for so long. But others say her story gives them hope.
In interviews, she’s been honest. She once said, “They want to hold him hostage. It’s all political.” That kind of truth-telling isn’t always easy. But Winndye speaks from the heart.
Her journey also highlights something bigger. Many Black women carry heavy burdens when their loved ones go to prison. They hold the family together. Winndye’s life shows just how powerful and loving these women can be.
Where Is Winndye Jenkins Now in 2026?
As of 2026, Winndye Jenkins is 76 years old and still living in the United States. She stays close to her children and grandchildren, including Larry Hoover III. She may not appear on TV, but her voice still matters.
She hasn’t stopped believing. She still hopes that Larry Hoover will get a second chance—to come home, or at least to live in peace. Her fight isn’t over. But even now, she holds her head high.
She lives a quiet life, but her story continues to inspire people around the country. Winndye Jenkins may not be famous, but her love, loyalty, and faith make her unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
In today’s world, people often give up when things get hard. But Winndye Jenkins did the opposite. She waited over 50 years to marry the man she loved. She raised a family alone. She lost a business. She faced false claims. And still, she kept going.
Being Larry Hoover’s wife hasn’t been easy. But she made it mean something. Her story is about more than just crime or prison—it’s about quiet strength, long-lasting love, and the power of belief.
As we look at her journey in 2026, one thing is clear: Winndye Jenkins is a woman who never gave up—on love, on justice, or on her family. And that is what makes her story so powerful.
(FAQs)
How old is Winndye Jenkins now, and when was she born?
Winndye Jenkins is 76 years old in 2026. She was born on August 12, 1950.
Is Winndye Jenkins still alive today?
She is still alive and living in the United States. She spends time with her kids and grandkids.
Did Winndye Jenkins really raise her kids while Larry Hoover was in prison?
She gave birth to their son Larry Hoover Jr. after Larry was arrested. She also has a daughter named Samaya Hoover and raised them mostly on her own.
What was Winndye Jenkins like when she was young?
When she was young, Winndye was strong and smart. She met Larry Hoover in the 1960s and stayed by his side even when things got very hard.
What is Winndye Jenkins doing now in 2026?
She still supports her family and helps with the Larry Hoover Project. She also works with her son to teach young people to stay out of gangs.
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