Jean graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. During her time at MSU, she met her love, Jerry Edward Jennings, and the couple married in 1958. During their years together, they enjoyed traveling, camping, and cross-country skiing. The couple spent 38 wonderful years together until Jerry’s passing in 1996. Jean enjoyed her 20 years working in the reservations department of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. She was a world traveler and went to many exotic places with the Sarrett Nature Center. She had a passion for environmental issues and helping in any way she could. She loved being outdoors - canoeing, camping, hiking, and spending time at the family cottage on Lake Michigan. Jean was a parishioner of Park Congregational Church for over 60 years. She made many dear, lifelong friends at Park Church as a member of the women’s Bishop Ten group. She and Jerry also belonged to a close-knit group of friends from Michigan State. Jean’s gentle kindness, warm smile, and positive outlook will be deeply missed by all.
Jean was preceded in death by: husband, Jerry Jennings; son, James Jennings; parents, William and Kathryn McManus; friend, Eunice Westerman; special friend, Frank Herdje; and her beloved Scotties.
Jean is survived by: children, Kathryn Dugas, and Holly (Christopher Botkin) Jennings; grandson, David Dugas; great grandchildren, Nevaeh VanDuinen, and Amiah Dugas; and many loving cousins and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Beacon Hill Skilled Nursing Unit for the tender and exceptional care they gave to her.
A Visitation will be held on April 2, 2024 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave NE. Grand Rapids, MI 49505. A Memorial Service will be held the following day, April 3, 2024 at 11:00am, at First (Park) Congregational Church, 10 E Park Pl. NE. Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The family will welcome guests one hour prior to the start of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Planned Parenthood of Michigan, The Humane Society of West Michigan, or West Michigan Environmental Action Council.
