Etta Edna (Smith) Jennings, 85, formerly of Richmond, died peacefully on October 2, 2011, in Charlottesville.
Etta was 1 of 6 children born to David Lee Smith and Beulah Smith (Gobble) on June 5, 1926 in Appomattox, VA. She was a graduate of Appomattox High School.
Etta married James Arthur Jennings on October 28, 1945 and together they ran several businesses. She was a former active member of the Forest Hill Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed participating in the Women’s Circle Group, attending Sunday school, and serving as Greeter.
Etta will be remembered as a spirited, thoughtful, and resilient woman. Known for her bright red lipstick and silk scarves, she had a definite flair for fashion. Etta thrived on laughter, loved to recount stories, and found great joy hosting family gatherings. Despite her chronological age, Etta always remained young at heart.
Etta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, James A. Jennings; her brother, David Smith, and sisters, Kathleen Brown, Francis Franklin, and Myrna Franklin. Etta is survived by two sons, Morgan Dean Jennings (Katherine Jennings) of Bon Air, and Preston Anthony Jennings of Richmond; three grandchildren, Stephen Jennings (Janice) of Midlothian, Jeannie Jennings Beidler of Charlottesville, and Kristin Jennings of Bon Air; four great-grandchildren, Joshua Beidler, Hailey Beidler, Ava Jennings, and Luke Jennings; 2 sisters, Opal Carter (Charles) of Appomattox and Verna Zoppe of Glen Allen; Siblings by marriage, Roger Jennings(Glenda) of Charleston, SC and Vivian Frazier (Rudy) of High Pointe, NC, Bessie Smith of Appomattox, and numerous nieces, nephews, and treasured loved ones.
A memorial service will be held at Hollywood Baptist Church in Appomattox, VA on Friday, October 7, 2011 at 2:00pm followed by a reception in Charlottesville. The Rev. Kevin Britton of Woodbridge will be officiating.
With sincere gratitude to those whose support and kindness was a precious part in blessing Etta with peace, dignity, and happiness this past year. Special acknowledgement to Julie McConnell for being an infinite source of strength and courage; To Danielle Dorazio, Dr. Jonathan Evans, Pam Kimmel, Nykeia Washington, Aileen Hansen, Lindsey Veney and many others from the Laurels for your exceptional service and compassion; and to LeAnn Mitchell and the friends from Chestnut Grove Baptist Church for faithfully visiting.
Memorial gifts can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1160 Pepsi Place,Suite #306, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or the Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (VCPEA), P.O. Box 70054, Richmond, VA 23255.
Etta was 1 of 6 children born to David Lee Smith and Beulah Smith (Gobble) on June 5, 1926 in Appomattox, VA. She was a graduate of Appomattox High School.
Etta married James Arthur Jennings on October 28, 1945 and together they ran several businesses. She was a former active member of the Forest Hill Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed participating in the Women’s Circle Group, attending Sunday school, and serving as Greeter.
Etta will be remembered as a spirited, thoughtful, and resilient woman. Known for her bright red lipstick and silk scarves, she had a definite flair for fashion. Etta thrived on laughter, loved to recount stories, and found great joy hosting family gatherings. Despite her chronological age, Etta always remained young at heart.
Etta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, James A. Jennings; her brother, David Smith, and sisters, Kathleen Brown, Francis Franklin, and Myrna Franklin. Etta is survived by two sons, Morgan Dean Jennings (Katherine Jennings) of Bon Air, and Preston Anthony Jennings of Richmond; three grandchildren, Stephen Jennings (Janice) of Midlothian, Jeannie Jennings Beidler of Charlottesville, and Kristin Jennings of Bon Air; four great-grandchildren, Joshua Beidler, Hailey Beidler, Ava Jennings, and Luke Jennings; 2 sisters, Opal Carter (Charles) of Appomattox and Verna Zoppe of Glen Allen; Siblings by marriage, Roger Jennings(Glenda) of Charleston, SC and Vivian Frazier (Rudy) of High Pointe, NC, Bessie Smith of Appomattox, and numerous nieces, nephews, and treasured loved ones.
A memorial service will be held at Hollywood Baptist Church in Appomattox, VA on Friday, October 7, 2011 at 2:00pm followed by a reception in Charlottesville. The Rev. Kevin Britton of Woodbridge will be officiating.
With sincere gratitude to those whose support and kindness was a precious part in blessing Etta with peace, dignity, and happiness this past year. Special acknowledgement to Julie McConnell for being an infinite source of strength and courage; To Danielle Dorazio, Dr. Jonathan Evans, Pam Kimmel, Nykeia Washington, Aileen Hansen, Lindsey Veney and many others from the Laurels for your exceptional service and compassion; and to LeAnn Mitchell and the friends from Chestnut Grove Baptist Church for faithfully visiting.
Memorial gifts can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1160 Pepsi Place,Suite #306, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or the Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (VCPEA), P.O. Box 70054, Richmond, VA 23255.