When we think about true love, we usually picture happy couples walking together or sharing nice moments. But Winndye Jenkins shows us that love can mean something much deeper. Her story is about waiting, hoping, and never giving up on the person you care about.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Winndye Jenkins (now Winndye Jenkins-Hoover) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 12, 1950 |
| Age | 74 years old (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Wife of Larry Hoover Sr. |
| Children | Larry Hoover Jr., Samaya Hoover |
| Occupation | Former Business Owner, Trucking Manager |
| Years with Larry | Since 1968 (over 56 years) |
| Marriage Date | January 9, 2020 |
Winndye Jenkins is the wife of Larry Hoover, a man who started a group called the Gangster Disciples in Chicago. Larry has been in prison since 1973. That means Winndye has spent more than 50 years loving a man she can barely see. Her story is not easy to hear, but it teaches us about strength, faith, and what it means to stand by someone through the hardest times.
Who Is Winndye Jenkins?
Winndye Jenkins was born on August 12, 1950, in the United States. She grew up as an African-American woman during a time when life was difficult for many Black families in America. She comes from a Christian background and has always kept her faith close to her heart.
She met Larry Hoover in 1968 when she was just 18 years old. They fell in love quickly. But just a few years later, in 1973, Larry was arrested for murder. Winndye was pregnant with their first child when this happened. She had to give birth to their son, Larry Hoover Jr., all alone while her partner sat in a prison cell.
Most people would walk away from such a situation. But Winndye did not. She chose to stay and raise their son while keeping her relationship with Larry alive.
A Love That Waited Over 50 Years
One of the most touching parts of Winndye’s story is how long she had to wait to marry Larry. Even though they had been together since 1968, the prison system would not let them get married. Every time they asked, the answer was no.
Finally, after more than 50 years together, they were allowed to marry on January 9, 2020. Winndye was 69 years old at that time. She had waited half a century to officially become Mrs. Hoover. The wedding was a small ceremony, but it meant everything to her.
“I’ve been with this man since the late sixties,” she once said. “For years, each time that we try and get married, they find a reason not to allow it.”
Raising a Family Alone
Being a single mother is hard for anyone. But imagine doing it when your child’s father is known across the country as a gang leader. That was Winndye’s reality.
She raised Larry Hoover Jr. mostly by herself. She attended his school events, helped him with homework, and guided him through life. To protect him, she did not send him to public schools. She wanted to keep him safe from the dangers of the streets and the weight of carrying the Hoover name.
Larry Jr. went to Brother Rice High School and later graduated from Morris Brown College in Atlanta. Today, he is a grown man with his own child, Larry Hoover III, making Winndye a grandmother.
She also has a daughter named Samaya Hoover. Larry Sr. has two other children from past relationships, but Winndye has always remained a caring figure in the family.
The Price of Loyalty
Standing by Larry Hoover came with many problems. In the 1990s, Winndye started her own clothing business called Ghetto Prisoner Clothing Inc. She sold shirts with Larry’s image and prison number on them. She also ran a concert promotion business.
But the federal government accused her of using these businesses to help Larry launder drug money. They went to her customers and told them not to work with her. Even though she was never charged with any crime, the damage was done. She had to close her businesses.
Winndye has always said she never touched drugs and never wanted anything to do with crime. But because of who her husband is, people always watched her closely and judged her unfairly.
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Visiting Larry in Prison
Winndye tries to visit Larry three to four times a year. But these visits are not easy. Larry is held at ADX Florence in Colorado, one of the most secure prisons in America. The prison is far from Chicago, and the rules are very strict.
She has faced many difficulties during these visits. Once, guards said her grandson’s Batman costume was a gang symbol and made her rip it off. Another time, her granddaughter accidentally left a phone in her pocket. Even though they turned it in themselves, the whole family lost their visiting rights for a whole year.
Winndye also had surgery on her thyroid once, and it was hard for her to speak loudly. But the guards threatened to end her visit if she did not speak louder, even though the prison microphones were broken.
“They have no compassion,” she said about the prison staff. “Most of those guards down there, you can tell they’re racist and have no respect for you.”
Despite all this, she keeps going back. “I’m not going to stop coming down here until I die,” she said firmly.
Fighting for Larry’s Freedom
Winndye has never stopped fighting to bring Larry home. She believes that he has changed and deserves a second chance. Larry has been in prison for over 50 years, with nearly 30 of those years spent in solitary confinement.
In June 2025, Winndye wrote an open letter to Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker. In the letter, she asked for help getting Larry’s sentence reduced. She explained that Larry’s co-defendant, who admitted to being the actual shooter in the murder case, served only 20 years before being released on parole.
“The man who went into prison in his 20s no longer exists,” she wrote. “Today, Larry is an aging elder who seeks only peace, family, and the chance to live out his final years with dignity and love.”
Many people, including celebrities like Kanye West, have also spoken up for Larry’s release. But so far, he remains in prison.
A Woman of Faith and Strength
Through all these years of struggle, Winndye has kept her faith in God. On her Instagram page, she describes herself as a “Wife, Mother & Woman of God.” Her faith has been her backbone through the darkest times.
She once said, “I wish my mom were here. She was always my backbone.” Even without her mother’s support anymore, Winndye continues to push forward with hope and determination.
Why Her Story Matters
Winndye Jenkins is not famous like a movie star or singer. But her story matters because it shows us what real love and loyalty look like. She has given up so much to stand by Larry Hoover. She raised children alone, lost businesses, faced judgment, and traveled thousands of miles just for short visits behind prison walls.
Some people may not agree with her choice to stay with Larry. But no one can deny her strength. She is a living example of commitment, patience, and unwavering hope.
Today, at 74 years old, Winndye Jenkins-Hoover continues to hope that one day her husband will come home. After more than 50 years of waiting, she still believes in second chances and the power of love.
Her story reminds us that behind every headline, there is a human being with feelings, dreams, and a heart that keeps beating even when life gets hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Winndye Jenkins?
Winndye Jenkins is the wife of Larry Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples. She has stood by him for over 50 years while he has been in prison.
2. How old is Winndye Jenkins?
She was born on August 12, 1950, making her 74 years old as of 2024.
3. When did Winndye Jenkins marry Larry Hoover?
They officially married on January 9, 2020, after being together since 1968.
4. How many children does Winndye Jenkins have?
She has two children with Larry Hoover: Larry Hoover Jr. and Samaya Hoover.
5. Why did it take so long for them to get married?
The prison system repeatedly denied their requests to marry for over 50 years before finally allowing it in 2020.
6. What businesses did Winndye Jenkins run?
She ran a clothing business called Ghetto Prisoner Clothing Inc. and a concert promotion company, but had to close them due to federal pressure.
7. Where is Larry Hoover imprisoned?
Larry Hoover is held at ADX Florence in Colorado, a maximum-security federal prison.
8. How often does Winndye visit Larry in prison?
She tries to visit him three to four times per year, despite the difficult conditions and strict rules.
9. Has Winndye Jenkins ever been charged with a crime?
No, she has never been charged with any crime, despite accusations from federal authorities.
10. Is Winndye Jenkins still fighting for Larry’s release?
Yes, she continues to fight for his freedom and has written letters to government officials asking for clemency.
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