Jennifer Small

A dedicated wife to Allen Walker and a friend of many, married on Memorial weekend, May 25th, 2002, she is survived by her mother Susan (Mark) Crocker, father Jim Small (Carolyn Drier), sister Keely Small and partner Mary Bradley, nieces Cortney and Ashley, her in-laws David and Elaine Jackson, and numerous other family members and many long-time friends, and preceded in death by her grandparents Helen (Brezina) Pitts, Robert Laughlin Pitts, James (Francis) Small.

A beautiful blonde little girl was born November 28, 1970 at Memorial Hospital St. Joseph to Susan Crocker (Small) and Jim Small (Carolyn Drier) of Three Oaks, Michigan, and she was grand-daughter to Helen (Brezina) Pitts, Robert Laughlin Pitts, James and Francis Small. She was naturally playful and lovable as she grew, a young girl with an audaciously strong spirit and a deep loyalty to family and friends. She graduated from Lakeshore High School in 1989. Her senior summer, she performed in Broadway in the Barn and Grease. She sang the final solo in The Living Years at Lakeshore High School. Jennifer was a loving daughter and was devoted to her family. She was a fun-loving woman who enjoyed life to the fullest. Jennifer will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She joined Up With People in 1990-1991 for a tour of the U.S. and then Europe, witnessing the reunification of Germany. On returning to Michigan, she worked as a lifeguard at the YMCA and received employee of the month. In 1991, she left Michigan for Montrose, Texas, where she worked as a lifeguard at the YWCA and then later as an office manager for Dr. Daniel R. Markham of Houston, Texas, for twenty one years.

To simplify a description of this awesome woman into a few lines is nearly impossible. Her practical advice and cheerful encouragement continually inspired others. Her confidence brought life and laughter to all around her. Even now since her sudden passing, the loud laughter has nearly covered our tears of frustration. The impact of our loss is profound. She was an outdoor person. She loved singing and karaoke, hiking, camping, kayaking, riding horses, tubing, scuba diving, travelling, fishing, celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans, gathering with friends and especially joining her RBC friends on Fridays, telling hilarious stories, dressing up for Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day, attending the Houston Renaissance Festival, and she loved hosting every New Year’s party.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Up With People at https://www.upwithpeople.org/Financialgivingoptions