'Mattie' Jeanette Jennings

Mattie 'Jeanette' Jennings passed away on August 2, 2019.

Mattie (Jeanette) Wilson Jennings was born January 2, 1935 in Ottumwa, IA. Jeanette was the oldest child of 4 girls born to Wallace and Helen (Green) Wilson.

When Jeanette was about 9 years old, the family relocated to Des Moines, IA. There she attended Crocker Elementary School, Washington Irving Junior High School, old North High School and Drake University. As a young adult, Jeanette worked as an Administrative Assistant to the Honorable Judge Luther Glanton (who was the first Black judge in Iowa) and Attorney Bob White. She was the executive Director of Greater Opportunities, a community action agency and later retired from Staley Manufacturing Company of Des Moines, IA.

Jeanette was a past member of Princess Zorah Chapter #10, OES, PHA in Des Moines, IA.

Later in life, Lawrence W. Jennings was joined in marriage with Jeanette and her children, building a whole new family. He took full responsibility for their young lives and the love from the children to him created a bond that was never denied nor broken.

Jeanette was a avid sports fan; basketball and football were her favorite sports. During playoff time all things stopped when it was time to watch her favorite teams play. She loved any kind of family gathering; cookouts, weddings, graduations and baby arrivals. These events always included some fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and potato salad. As she passed down her cooking skills and recipes, she also passed down family stories for all to enjoy.

Jeanette was a member of and was baptized at Corinthian Baptist Church, where she was active in the childrens choir. She loved music, and several of her favorite songs are included in todays service.

Friday, August 2, 2019, God called Jeanettes name. She was ready and without hesitation answered His call. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, David and Sarah Wilson; maternal grandparents, Henry and Mattie Green; her parents, Wallace and Helen Wilson; her husband, Lawrence W. Jennings and her beloved son, Thomas Robert "Bobby" Jennings.

Jeanettes nurturing presence will be missed but not forgotten. Her cherished memories are left with her children, Helen "Ginger" Commodore (Robert), Deanna Jennings-Edmond, Joyce Jennings-Sims (Ray), Gaylan Jennings and Nichole Jennings (Lonnie R. Florence, Sr.); grandsons, Shon Jennings (Dimeka), Jamall Edmond (Kelli), Brandon Commodore (Jennifer), Lawrence "Aaron" Jennings, Robert Miller, Jr. and Raymon Florence; granddaughters, Detra Miller, Daniele Edmond, Bobbie Marie Thomas (Anton), Ashley Commodore and Jeanette Florence; sisters, Sandra Golding (Raymond), Betty Jackson and Carolyn Hamilton; sister -in-law, Evelyn Bryant-Jones and chosen son, Bobby Sharp Miller; 7 great grandsons, 4 great granddaughters, 2 nieces, 7 nephews, 7 great nieces, 9 great nephews and a host of extended family, friends and acquaintances.