Daniel Archer Jennings

Daniel Archer Jennings was born on January 19, 1919 in Halifax County, Virginia, a twin and youngest of nine children of the late Archer Jennings and Fannie Bett Green Jennings. He fought a courageous battle during his journey of life and transitioned to live with God on May 20, 2004.By God’s grace and mercy, Daniel had witnessed eighty-five years of love, faith, strength, wisdom, labor, joy, support and sorrow. The gift of years is an invisible package that must be opened and enjoyed one day at a time. It is a gift we can neither buy nor hoard, nor should we take it for granted, for it is not presented to all in equal measure.He was educated in the public schools of Halifax County, Virginia. He had a passion for music and sang on the choir of Shiloe Baptist church in Halifax County, Virginia. He loved Shiloe Baptist and went back for homecoming in August each year. At age 21, Daniel moved to Baltimore, Maryland. He enrolled in a tailoring school where he received a certificate as a certified tailor.On December 24, 1942, Daniel married Betty L. LaPrade in Baltimore, Maryland whom he was devoted to for 58 years. Out of this union six children were born: Daniel, Phyllis, Carolyn, Anthony, Michael and Victor. Daniel was drafted into the Army, served his time and received and honorable discharge in 1943. After leaving the military, he accepted a job at Bethlehem Steel, then worked 7 years before he accepted a job at C&P Telephone Company of Baltimore, Maryland. He worked for C&P Telephone Company for 30 years and retired as a Supervisor in 1988. While working a full-time job, his entrepreneurial spirit surfaced and the Jennings Grocery Store was born. He also repaired clothes for many clients in his home.Daniel had a green thumb, and gardening had been a lifelong passion. He along with his friend of more than 50 years, William G. Robertson, Jr., partnered in planting seeds for vegetables and flowers and shared the bounty. He had gardens in Halifax County, Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland, the fruits of which he shared with family and friends.Daniel knew and loved the Lord. He was an outstanding gentleman and “spoke when he had something to say.” When Daniel spoke, everybody listened. He was an active and faithful member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Baltimore, Maryland for over 35 years. The family wishes to acknowledge especially the Leon Joyner family, the Samuel Spencer family, the Dennis Bacoat family, and the Lillian Young family, Minister Theodore Bonds, Deacon Emanuel Brown, Brother Leon Neal, and all the members of the Male Chorus for their relationship to us as well as to our father through the years. One of the joys of his life was gospel singing, and he loved the Male Chorus where he served as its Vice President for several years. He was also a faithful member of the Mass Choir, Combined Choir and Elijah Club. Although Daniel is no longer among us-he will be with us still. NOBODY KNOWS BUT DANIEL, he will be the winds that blow, the diamond glints on snow, the sunlight on ripened grain, the gentle autumn rain, the soft stars that shine at night. He is not gone-He is with us-in each new dawn. During his lifetime, he was affiliated with several organizations but remained a member of The Fellowship Associates and Telephone Pioneers of America. The organizations consisted of retired C&P Telephone workers who spread good will and fellowship throughout their communities.Daniel, Betty and family loved to travel extensively throughout the United States and abroad. On weekends, they took their children to parks, beaches and historic educational places. He loved his family and believed in strong family values and that spirit will remain with us forever.Preceding him in death was his beloved wife, Betty LaPrade Jennings, and he leaves to cherish loving memories: six children, Daniel General Jennings, Phyllis Annette Adams, Carolyn Alease Jennings of Plano, Texas, Anthony Gary Jennings of New York, New York, Michael Christopher Jennings of Perry Point, Maryland and Victor Kevin Jennings; two grandchildren, Tonja Adams and Shercese Jennings; three great-grandchildren, Mercedes Griffin, Kahlil Elijah and Jada Austin, Geneva Boone, his niece, but really like a sister to him, nieces, nephews, brother and sisters-in-law; two God daughters, Gayle Westmoreland and Jean Hall, and a host of other relatives

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Daniel Archer Jennings

January 19, 1919 - May 20, 2004