Alice Gwendolyn Jennings

Alice Gwendolyn Jennings died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 at The Upjohn Care Facility of the Heritage Community surrounded by her family. She was 92. Born June 11, 1931 to Helen and Hugh Jenkins, she was the eldest of seven children. She was a graduate of Mishawaka High School and earned her bachelor's degree from Indiana State Teachers College in Terre Haute, Ind. She married Samuel Marion Jennings in 1954 and they had four daughters. They were married for 55 years until his death in 2009. She worked at Allman's Bakery in Battle Creek and taught at Battle Creek Christian School. Strong in her faith, she was a 20 year member of Gideons Auxiliary and worked at two missionary schools.

Alice's church affiliations include 14 years as a member of First Wesleyan Church in Battle Creek, 12 years at New Hope United Methodist Church in Mecosta, and membership at Gull Lake United Methodist Church in Richland. She also attended First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo and Milwood United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo. She was known for her lovely singing voice and she wrote songs about her faith and friends. She also was a prolific letter writer and loved keeping up with her friends near and far. In her later years at The Upjohn she rarely missed a game of Bingo.

She is survived by four daughters, Kathy Jennings, Tina Egan, Margaret Engman and Gayle Jennings; six grandchildren, Christina, S and Forrest Bennett, Austin Weideman, Beatrix Quinn Bishop and Shannon Egan; three great-grandchildren; one sister Mary Ellen Huey, and one brother James Jenkins. She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Viola Bice and Beverly Bucher, and two brothers Jean Jenkins and Hank Timpe.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, 11:00 a.m. May 4, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo. Senior Pastor Seth Weeldryer of Kalamazoo First Presbyterian Church will officiate. A graveside service will follow on Monday, May 6 at 12:00 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in honor of Alice are asked to consider a donation to Heritage Community of Kalamazoo. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D. Ave., Richland.

Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.