Geneva Jennings

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness... Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her." Proverbs 31:25-28.

The earthly sojourn came to an end for Geneva Helen Funk Jennings, age, 97, of Independence, Virginia on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Waddell Nursing Home in Galax, Virginia. She was born to William J. and Kate Vaught Funk in Pulaski, Virginia on March 20, 1929. She was a high school graduate who spent most of her working years as a seamstress in the textile industry. Mrs. Jennings is best remembered as the wife of the Rev. Fred Jennings, a prominent local minister who severed several churches in Grayson and surrounding counties including Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Independence until 2008. She was the model pastor’s wife who supported her husband’s Divine calling to the utmost. She ran a comfortable, safe, and inviting home for her three children. The demands of Rev. Jennings' ministry often called for him to be away from home, leaving Mrs. Jennings to provide for the family. As the children grew into adulthood, she was a constant support always found next to her husband. While a full-time mother who worked a full-time job, she never failed to teach Sunday School, conduct Vacation Bible Schools, sing in a quartet, and a choir, and did all of this immaculately dressed and always wearing a smile. She had the heart of a servant always mindful of the needs of others. She found great joy in serving her Lord and proclaiming His goodness throughout the east coast. In later years, she delighted in her grandchildren fostering special relationships with them and praying for their safe keeping and happiness. In her retirement years, she enjoyed cross stitch and love gifting her creation to her family and friends. She remained faithful and dedicated to her church as long as her health permitted. The dedication and devotion that Mrs. Jennings gave to her family and her church will be her lasting legacy. Her selflessness, generosity, and countless quite acts of kindness left the world a better place because she passed through it.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Curtis Jennings and all her brothers, and sisters.

Left to cherish her memory are her son and daughter-in-law, David and Ellen Jennings of Independence, VA; daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Bill Winters of Roanoke, VA; daughter-in-law, Barbara Jennings of Independence; grandsons, Will and Elisabeth Winters of Bristol, VA; three great grandchildren, Sarahbel, Mariam, and William Winters; step-granddaughters, Shelley and Mark Carrico of Independence, VA; step-grandsons, Tyler Carrico and Adam Carrico of Wytheville, VA; three step-greatgrandchildren, Addie and Belle Carrico, and Sterling Carrico.

Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with David VanHoy officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery. While flowers are appreciated, memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery Fund c/o Ronald Anders at PO Box 413 Independence, Virginia 24348.

The family wishes to express their most sincere appreciation to the staff of Waddell Nursing Home for their kind and considerate care of their mother.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Independence is serving the Jennings family.