Barbara Jennings

BARBARA JOAN JENNINGS was born on August 21, 1941, in Baltimore, Maryland, and was peacefully called home on January 17, 2026 in Hephzibah, Georgia, her second home. She lived a life rich in love, faith, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. Barbara was the beloved daughter of the late Bernice Hynson and Nelson Hynson. She was one of ten siblings - eight sisters and two brothers. She was preceded in death by seven of her siblings and leaves to cherish her memory her three living sisters: Annette McCloud, Phyllis Hynson, and Sheila Brogden. She was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, the late Master Sergeant Carlton Lee Jennings of the United States Army. As a devoted military wife, Barbara traveled extensively, including time spent in Germany and various military bases, before ultimately settling in Lawton, Oklahoma, where she proudly stood beside her husband during his retirement ceremony at Fort Sill. Barbara was a loving and devoted mother. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Rhonda Denise Jennings, a loss she carried with grace, strength, and faith. She leaves behind her three living children: Paulia Freeman, Danielle Latorya’ Jennings, and Marcel Antonio Jennings, along with her cherished daughter-in-law, Lashaniqua Jennings. Following the tragic loss of her daughter, Barbara and her husband opened their hearts and home to adopt and raise their grandchildren together. After the passing of her husband on December 14, 1995, Barbara completed that journey alone with unwavering determination. Her legacy continued through her four great-grandchildren: Carlton Marcel Jennings, Jimmie Lee Sullivan III, Rhonda Doritanna Smith, and Jeremiah Malik Jennings. Barbara was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and was employed with Cameron University and Montgomery Ward, where she served faithfully for many years. A woman of strong faith, Barbara and her husband were longtime members of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Lawton, Oklahoma. Whenever she returned home to Baltimore, she worshipped faithfully at Community Church of Christ, remaining deeply connected to her roots. Barbara loved life. She enjoyed playing cards, eating her crabs, shopping, traveling, cruising with family and friends, and making memories that spanned a lifetime. She was a woman of value, strength, and spunk-the matriarch of her family. She raised her grandchildren to be strong, God-fearing, and respectful. Barbara was loved and respected by all who knew her, and her neighbors held her dear. She leaves behind a very dear and lifelong best friend, Ella Mae Pitt, whose friendship brought her joy, laughter, and unwavering companionship throughout the years. Barbara Joan Jennings also leaves behind a long host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Tributes

Barbara Jennings

August 21, 1941 - January 17, 2026