When we talk about love and loyalty, few stories are as powerful as the one of Winndye Jenkins. She is the wife of Larry Hoover, a man known as the founder of the Gangster Disciples in Chicago. While Larry spent over 50 years in prison, Winndye never left his side. She raised their children alone, visited him in one of America’s toughest prisons, and fought for his freedom. Her story is not just about being a wife—it’s about strength, hope, and never giving up.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Winndye Jenkins (Now Winndye Jenkins-Hoover) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 12, 1950 |
| Age | 75 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Husband | Larry Hoover Sr. |
| Children | Larry Hoover Jr., Samaya Hoover |
| Marriage Date | January 9, 2020 |
| Known For | Wife of Larry Hoover, advocate for prison reform |
| Net Worth | Around $4 million |
Early Life of Winndye Jenkins
Winndye Jenkins was born on August 12, 1950, in the United States. She grew up during a difficult time for Black families in America. Life was not easy, but she learned to be strong from a young age. She comes from a Christian family and has always believed in faith and love.
Not much is known about her childhood or her education. Winndye has always kept her personal life private. What we do know is that she finished high school and later became a businesswoman. Her early years prepared her for the challenges that would come later in life.
Meeting Larry Hoover
Winndye met Larry Hoover in 1968 when both were young. Larry was starting to gain influence in Chicago, and Winndye was drawn to his strong personality. They fell in love quickly. Their relationship was built on trust, respect, and loyalty.
At that time, Larry was involved with the Gangster Disciples, a street gang in Chicago. Even though his life was complicated, Winndye chose to stay with him. She believed in him and wanted to support him through everything.
Life After Larry’s Arrest
In September 1973, Larry Hoover was arrested for murder. This moment changed Winndye’s life forever. When he was arrested, she was pregnant with their first child. Two months later, in November 1973, she gave birth to their son, Larry Hoover Jr., all by herself. Larry was not there to hold her hand or meet his newborn son.
From that day forward, Winndye became a single mother. She had to raise Larry Jr. without his father. She made sure to keep her son away from the streets and gang life. She did not send him to public school because she wanted to protect him. Instead, she worked hard to give him a better life.
Larry Jr. later attended Brother Rice High School in Chicago and graduated from Morris Brown College in Atlanta. He became a successful businessman in construction. Winndye also has a daughter named Samaya Hoover. Larry Sr. has two other children from past relationships: Larry Bernard and Tyree Hoover.
Waiting 50 Years to Get Married
One of the most touching parts of Winndye’s story is her long wait to marry Larry. Even though they had been together since 1968, the prison system refused to let them marry. Every time they tried, officials found a reason to say no.
For over 50 years, Winndye waited. She stayed loyal and never gave up hope. Finally, on January 9, 2020, they were allowed to get married. It was an emotional moment. After half a century of love and struggle, they became husband and wife officially.
Imagine loving someone for 50 years and not being able to marry them. Winndye’s patience and commitment are truly rare.
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Visiting Larry in Prison
Larry Hoover is locked up in ADX Florence, a prison in Colorado. It is known as one of the toughest prisons in the world. Some people call it the “Alcatraz of the Rockies.” The prison holds dangerous criminals, including terrorists and gang leaders.
Winndye visits Larry three to four times a year. These visits are not easy. She has to travel far, go through heavy security, and face rude treatment from guards. During visits, Larry sits behind glass, and they talk through microphones.
One time, Winndye had throat surgery and could not speak loudly. The prison microphones were broken, but the guards threatened to end her visit if she did not speak louder. Even though she was in pain, she tried her best just to spend time with her husband.
Another time, she brought her grandson to visit. The little boy wore a Batman costume. The guards said part of the costume was a gang symbol and made her tear it off. She had no choice. If she did not, they would not let her see Larry for a whole year.
Despite all these difficulties, Winndye never stopped visiting. She once said, “I’m not going to stop coming down here until I die.”
Running Businesses and Facing Challenges
Winndye was not just a wife and mother—she was also a businesswoman. In the 1990s, she ran a company called “Save the Children Promotions.” This group organized concerts to help children in the community.
She also started a clothing business called “Ghetto Prisoner Clothing Inc.” The company sold shirts with Larry’s image and prison number. It was doing well until the federal government stepped in.
In 1995, federal agents raided her office and home. They took $67,000 in cash and company records. The government said she was using the business to launder drug money. However, Winndye was never charged with any crime. She said she never touched drugs and was not involved in illegal activities.
Still, the damage was done. Customers stopped working with her because agents told them she was involved in crime. She had to close the business. It was one more hard moment in a life full of struggles.
Later, she started another company called “Busy Hands and Feet Construction Co.” She ran it from 1999 to 2005. After it closed, she worked as a trucking manager at a construction company.
Fighting for Larry’s Freedom
In 2014, Winndye created “The Larry Hoover Project.” The goal was to fight for Larry’s release or at least move him to a less strict prison. Larry has been in prison since 1973. He received six life sentences for murder, conspiracy, and running a criminal gang.
Over the years, many people have supported Winndye’s fight. Famous rapper Kanye West has spoken up for Larry’s release. In 2018, Kanye met with President Donald Trump to ask for Larry’s freedom. In 2021, Kanye and Drake held a huge concert in Los Angeles to raise awareness about Larry’s case.
In 2025, President Trump did reduce Larry’s federal sentence. However, Larry still has to serve his state sentence for the 1973 murder. He can ask for parole, but it is not guaranteed.
Winndye has not given up. She continues to hope that one day, Larry will come home.
Winndye Jenkins Today
Today, Winndye Jenkins is 75 years old. She still lives in the United States and remains close to her family. She supports her son Larry Jr., who is a motivational speaker and businessman. She also spends time with her grandchildren and stays active in her community.
Even after all these years, Winndye believes in love and justice. She has carried a heavy load, but she never stopped hoping. Her story shows what real loyalty looks like.
Why Her Story Matters
Winndye Jenkins represents thousands of women who stand by their loved ones in prison. These women visit, send letters, and keep hope alive even when things seem hopeless. They are often forgotten, but their strength is incredible.
Winndye’s life also raises important questions about the prison system. Should someone spend more than 50 years in prison? Can people change? These are questions many people are asking today.
Her story is not just about Larry Hoover. It is about love, sacrifice, and believing in someone when the whole world turns away.
Conclusion
Winndye Jenkins waited 50 years to marry the man she loved. She raised her children alone, lost her business, faced judgment, and traveled hundreds of miles just to sit behind glass and talk through broken microphones. But she never quit.
Her story reminds us that true love is not easy. It requires patience, courage, and strength. Winndye Jenkins is more than Larry Hoover’s wife. She is a symbol of hope and loyalty that inspires people around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is Winndye Jenkins?
Winndye Jenkins is 75 years old. She was born on August 12, 1950.
2. When did Winndye Jenkins marry Larry Hoover?
They got married on January 9, 2020, after waiting more than 50 years to make it official.
3. How many children does Winndye Jenkins have?
She has two children with Larry Hoover: a son named Larry Hoover Jr. and a daughter named Samaya Hoover.
4. Where is Larry Hoover now?
Larry Hoover is in ADX Florence prison in Colorado, one of the toughest prisons in America.
5. What is Winndye Jenkins’ net worth?
Her net worth is around $4 million, earned through her businesses and work over the years.
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