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Karen Diane Jennings

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Karen Diane Jennings

Birth
Michigan, USA
Death
3 Sep 2017 (aged 66)
Michigan, USA
Burial
Clinton Township, Macomb County, Michigan, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Karen Diane Jennings, 66, was born on September 27, 1950 to William Rufus and Cora Jean (Pate) Jennings. Two sons were also born to this union, Delbert Ray and William Michael. I love my family from the depths of my soul. Eva Kate (Jennings) Robertson and Johnny Mae (Jennings) Boone (affectionately known as Bit) are my Daddy’s daughters and my older sisters from his first marriage to Mrs. Mabel Jennings Moore. They were my sisters who lived in Ypsilanti, my pride and joy!

I joined Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Clinton Township and was baptized when I was 11 years old. I grew up at Zion and became Financial Secretary. I started the Tiny Tots Usher Board for boys and girls, and classes for the young ladies in the church where we discussed everything from hygiene, parents, and boyfriends. I loved working with our young people.

At the age of 18, I moved to Detroit. On December 2, 1968, I began my 36 year career at the General Motors Technical Center. My brother Delbert worked there, very briefly before he joined the Detroit Police Department. Even though I grew up in St. Clair Shores, GM was still a “different world” from where I came from! I enjoyed my years there. I was on the GM Soul Picnic Committee, Cost of Living Social Committee, represented GM on Urban League activities, and anything else I could get involved in to meet other people with the same interests. We formed lifelong friendships that I still value.

My Daddy* passed in January, 1973. His passing changed my world. I don’t believe I’ve been the same since because I was truly Daddy’s baby. He was the type of man you only meet once in a lifetime. But God is an awesome God, in November 1975, my Mama married Johnny Lee Swann. He’s another great father. I affectionately called him “Sugar Pops”.

In 1978, I joined Fellowship Chapel under the leadership of Pastor James Wadsworth. God was truly in the plan. At Fellowship I was involved in the Souvenir Journal Committee for the Church Anniversary, Women’s Christian Fellowship, and Hospitality Committee for the Women’s Retreat, Thursday Night Bible Study with Rev. Maynard Golden, Altar Circle, Bereavement Committee, Women’s Day Committee, and Heritage Day.

In the 1980’s I was invited to join the High Stepper’s Social Club. They thought I could sell a lot of tickets because I worked at General Motors. What an interesting experience!!! It was 20 men and ME! We gave social parties; BIG PARTIES, Huge parties on the Boblo Boat, formal dances at Cobo Hall and Family picnics with hundreds of people that were so much fun. There weren’t many venues that could hold our events. We had a great time. And once again the camaraderie and friendships that were established with many of my H.S. brothers and their wives has been everlasting and irreplaceable!!!

In 1987 I met a man, Jack L. Manning Jr., who became my friend and husband. The Man that made me feel like a Queen. We became joined at the hip for many years. Our friendship stayed strong over the years and I was grateful because he is such a special person to me. Thank you Lord for the love of Jack L. Manning Jr.

April 1, 2005 I began my retirement from General Motors. Thank you Jesus! I feel stress free because I’m spending more quality time with my parents and friends – how wonderful! I think the smile on my face became permanent the day I left!

I was invited to visit Kingdom Equipping Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Corey Kennard. The first time I attended, service set my “soul” free. I continue to go Sunday after Sunday. My faith was becoming stronger and stronger - - my spirit was so high I felt like I was going to explode - - I became so deep into the WORD that I couldn’t put it down. It’s like a brand new person was being revealed - - I was being transformed right in front of my eyes. The Lord was leading me and I loved it. At this time, I went through several test at the hospital. The diagnosis was lung cancer. This was the start of my 12 year journey with this horrible disease. I give this burden to the Lord and I moved on. Thank God I did what the Father told me to do; He granted me favor over and over.

I have truly enjoyed my life, had a good career at GM of over 36 years, traveled, had fine clothes, cars, and homes (things), BUT what was MOST important to me is being in LOVE with GOD and my relationship with HIM and the love I have for my family and true friends. And the LOVE I was given in return! Thank you Father for blessing me with such special friends and family! It always gave me such fulfillment when I did something nice for someone else that enhanced their life but it enhanced mine much more. Father You have directed my steps to pure JOY and PEACE and I THANK YOU!

FAMILY TO CELEBRATE KAREN’S LIFE:

Delbert R. Jennings Sr. (Robie), Wm. Michael Jennings

NIECES & NEPHEWS:
Harold (Linda) Robertson, Deanna Robertson, Mary Robertson, Katherine Robertson; Ronald Robertson; LaDon (Tyrone), Anthony,
& Jennifer Davis; Yvonne (Ernest), Brandon, & Cameron Lewis; Delbert Jr. (Cheyenne), & Jalen Jennings; Kristina Jennings; Tamika, DeVante, Kenneth, & Cameron Jennings; LeShawna, Shawn, Cordell Boyd; Bradley Ringelberg; Jenisha & Cheiann Jennings. Micah & Samuel Enoch
To My Nieces & Nephews: It’s not WHAT you go through in life – IT’S HOW YOU HANDLE IT!!! I love all of you!!! Put GOD 1st.

AUNTS/UNCLES/COUSINS:
George* (Rosalind) Pate, Joyce (Hosea) Clark, David (Janet) Pate, Gerald (Carol) Pate, Gwendolyn Kirk, Gulanza (Susan) Pate, Shirley Pate,
Carol (Bobby) Allen, and a host of many many cousins

GOD CHILDREN:
Telmeko (Ransom) Smith & Jennifer Davis (great niece)

SPECIAL FRIENDS:
Reverend Diane (Ransom) McGhee, Bernard Alexander, Gerrie Brown, Gerrie Williams, Cedric Thornton (cousin), Jimmy F. Moore, James and Shirley Berry, Beverly Jennings, Lavonia Criner, Ella Dunham, Reverend Dr. Bill McGill, Dan Henderson, Derrick Brown, Jack Manning Jr.,
Excel Smith (Friend), Jerome Sheppard (Friend), Derrick Brown (Friend)

DECEASED:
William Rufus Jennings, Cora Jean Jennings Swann, Johnny Lee Swann, Broadus L. Pate (grandmother), George T. and Irene Pate (grandparents), Eva Kate Robertson (sister), William Robertson (brother-in-law), Johnny Mae (Bit) Boone (sister), George Pate (uncle)

Funeral Service:
Family Hour at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 09, 2017
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
New Greater Life International Ministries
22547 Quinn Road
Clinton Township, Michigan 48035

Harold W. Vick Funeral Home, Inc.
140 South Main Street
Mount Clemens, Michigan 48043
Karen Diane Jennings, 66, was born on September 27, 1950 to William Rufus and Cora Jean (Pate) Jennings. Two sons were also born to this union, Delbert Ray and William Michael. I love my family from the depths of my soul. Eva Kate (Jennings) Robertson and Johnny Mae (Jennings) Boone (affectionately known as Bit) are my Daddy’s daughters and my older sisters from his first marriage to Mrs. Mabel Jennings Moore. They were my sisters who lived in Ypsilanti, my pride and joy!

I joined Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Clinton Township and was baptized when I was 11 years old. I grew up at Zion and became Financial Secretary. I started the Tiny Tots Usher Board for boys and girls, and classes for the young ladies in the church where we discussed everything from hygiene, parents, and boyfriends. I loved working with our young people.

At the age of 18, I moved to Detroit. On December 2, 1968, I began my 36 year career at the General Motors Technical Center. My brother Delbert worked there, very briefly before he joined the Detroit Police Department. Even though I grew up in St. Clair Shores, GM was still a “different world” from where I came from! I enjoyed my years there. I was on the GM Soul Picnic Committee, Cost of Living Social Committee, represented GM on Urban League activities, and anything else I could get involved in to meet other people with the same interests. We formed lifelong friendships that I still value.

My Daddy* passed in January, 1973. His passing changed my world. I don’t believe I’ve been the same since because I was truly Daddy’s baby. He was the type of man you only meet once in a lifetime. But God is an awesome God, in November 1975, my Mama married Johnny Lee Swann. He’s another great father. I affectionately called him “Sugar Pops”.

In 1978, I joined Fellowship Chapel under the leadership of Pastor James Wadsworth. God was truly in the plan. At Fellowship I was involved in the Souvenir Journal Committee for the Church Anniversary, Women’s Christian Fellowship, and Hospitality Committee for the Women’s Retreat, Thursday Night Bible Study with Rev. Maynard Golden, Altar Circle, Bereavement Committee, Women’s Day Committee, and Heritage Day.

In the 1980’s I was invited to join the High Stepper’s Social Club. They thought I could sell a lot of tickets because I worked at General Motors. What an interesting experience!!! It was 20 men and ME! We gave social parties; BIG PARTIES, Huge parties on the Boblo Boat, formal dances at Cobo Hall and Family picnics with hundreds of people that were so much fun. There weren’t many venues that could hold our events. We had a great time. And once again the camaraderie and friendships that were established with many of my H.S. brothers and their wives has been everlasting and irreplaceable!!!

In 1987 I met a man, Jack L. Manning Jr., who became my friend and husband. The Man that made me feel like a Queen. We became joined at the hip for many years. Our friendship stayed strong over the years and I was grateful because he is such a special person to me. Thank you Lord for the love of Jack L. Manning Jr.

April 1, 2005 I began my retirement from General Motors. Thank you Jesus! I feel stress free because I’m spending more quality time with my parents and friends – how wonderful! I think the smile on my face became permanent the day I left!

I was invited to visit Kingdom Equipping Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Corey Kennard. The first time I attended, service set my “soul” free. I continue to go Sunday after Sunday. My faith was becoming stronger and stronger - - my spirit was so high I felt like I was going to explode - - I became so deep into the WORD that I couldn’t put it down. It’s like a brand new person was being revealed - - I was being transformed right in front of my eyes. The Lord was leading me and I loved it. At this time, I went through several test at the hospital. The diagnosis was lung cancer. This was the start of my 12 year journey with this horrible disease. I give this burden to the Lord and I moved on. Thank God I did what the Father told me to do; He granted me favor over and over.

I have truly enjoyed my life, had a good career at GM of over 36 years, traveled, had fine clothes, cars, and homes (things), BUT what was MOST important to me is being in LOVE with GOD and my relationship with HIM and the love I have for my family and true friends. And the LOVE I was given in return! Thank you Father for blessing me with such special friends and family! It always gave me such fulfillment when I did something nice for someone else that enhanced their life but it enhanced mine much more. Father You have directed my steps to pure JOY and PEACE and I THANK YOU!

FAMILY TO CELEBRATE KAREN’S LIFE:

Delbert R. Jennings Sr. (Robie), Wm. Michael Jennings

NIECES & NEPHEWS:
Harold (Linda) Robertson, Deanna Robertson, Mary Robertson, Katherine Robertson; Ronald Robertson; LaDon (Tyrone), Anthony,
& Jennifer Davis; Yvonne (Ernest), Brandon, & Cameron Lewis; Delbert Jr. (Cheyenne), & Jalen Jennings; Kristina Jennings; Tamika, DeVante, Kenneth, & Cameron Jennings; LeShawna, Shawn, Cordell Boyd; Bradley Ringelberg; Jenisha & Cheiann Jennings. Micah & Samuel Enoch
To My Nieces & Nephews: It’s not WHAT you go through in life – IT’S HOW YOU HANDLE IT!!! I love all of you!!! Put GOD 1st.

AUNTS/UNCLES/COUSINS:
George* (Rosalind) Pate, Joyce (Hosea) Clark, David (Janet) Pate, Gerald (Carol) Pate, Gwendolyn Kirk, Gulanza (Susan) Pate, Shirley Pate,
Carol (Bobby) Allen, and a host of many many cousins

GOD CHILDREN:
Telmeko (Ransom) Smith & Jennifer Davis (great niece)

SPECIAL FRIENDS:
Reverend Diane (Ransom) McGhee, Bernard Alexander, Gerrie Brown, Gerrie Williams, Cedric Thornton (cousin), Jimmy F. Moore, James and Shirley Berry, Beverly Jennings, Lavonia Criner, Ella Dunham, Reverend Dr. Bill McGill, Dan Henderson, Derrick Brown, Jack Manning Jr.,
Excel Smith (Friend), Jerome Sheppard (Friend), Derrick Brown (Friend)

DECEASED:
William Rufus Jennings, Cora Jean Jennings Swann, Johnny Lee Swann, Broadus L. Pate (grandmother), George T. and Irene Pate (grandparents), Eva Kate Robertson (sister), William Robertson (brother-in-law), Johnny Mae (Bit) Boone (sister), George Pate (uncle)

Funeral Service:
Family Hour at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 09, 2017
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
New Greater Life International Ministries
22547 Quinn Road
Clinton Township, Michigan 48035

Harold W. Vick Funeral Home, Inc.
140 South Main Street
Mount Clemens, Michigan 48043


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