Letha M. JENNINGS

Letha JENNINGS Obituary

NEWPORT NEWS - Letha M. Small Jennings, 78, passed away at her home, Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010, surrounded by her daughter and son-in-law.
Letha was born to John and Josephine Small on April 16, 1932, in Warwick County, Va. She was educated in the Newport News Public School System.
She worked as a Domestic Worker and for the City of Newport News at Huntington High School as a Cafeteria Worker from which she retired in 1978. Letha was a faithful and dedicated member of Zion Baptist Church in Newport News, Va., for 63 years. She was a member of the choir until her health began to fail.
She was a loving, caring and devoted mother who enjoyed helping and caring for others. She enjoyed singing, gardening, crossword puzzles and her favorite, reading the Bible.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Jennings; father, John Small; mother, Josephine Robinson Small; five brothers, Clarence, John, Charles, James and George Small; four sisters, Mattie Small Gaskins, Josephine Small, Virginia Small Harrison and Dorothy Small Spencer.
She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Patricia J. Ruffin (the Rev. William Ruffin Jr.); grandson, William 'BJ' Ruffin all of Suffolk, Va.; a very special sister-in-law, Orscelia Small, brother-in-law, Oscar Jennings both of Newport News, Va.; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A homegoing celebration will be held at noon Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010, at Zion Baptist Church, 633 20th Street, Newport News, Va., with the Rev. Dr. Tremayne Johnson, officiating. Interment to follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens, Hampton, Va.
The Ruffin family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to Virginia Oncology, Dr. Chang and Staff and Heartland Hospice for the care and kindness shown to our loved one during her illness. The family is receiving friends at 1601 Orcutt Avenue, Newport News, Va.
The Jennings family is receiving services of comfort by the staff at Nickelson-Cummings Funeral Home, 4304Victoria Blvd., Hampton, (757) 728-0122. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

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Published by Daily Press from Oct. 22 to Oct. 23, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Letha JENNINGS

8 Entries

Annette Crawley

October 23, 2010

Such a sweet lady. Fond memories of her when I attended Huntington. May God bless and keep each and everyone of you as you deal with your loved one's passing.

October 22, 2010

To Pat and family,
Your mom was a wonderfully spiritural woman. I came to know her when I became a member of Zion Baptist over 40 years ago and as a member of the choir for 8 years. She will be truly missed by all. I have enjoyed hearing her sing while I was at Zion. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. God called another one of his angles home. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. May God bless you.
Deaconess, Christine Christian
New Grafton Baptist Church

Russell & Wanda Savedge

October 22, 2010

Pat and Family,
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Jennings and to hear her sing with her church's choir. I had the opportunity to meet her brother, Mr. Smalls and his wife, "Aunt Celia."

Such nice and loving people, Pat you were blessed to have as mother who adored you and I always enjoyed
listening to you talk about her.

God has come to claim His own and I know Pat and Jay fully understand, yet it does not ease the pain that is felt at this time.

Pat, I am so sorry I will not be able to attend the homegoing service, but I plan to visit as soon as I can.
Be Blessed!

October 22, 2010

To Rev. Ruffin and family,
I am sorry to learn of the loss of your dear mother. I enjoyed many Sundays hearing her sing her signature pieces in the choir at Zion. Such a lovely voice and lovely lady. You and your family are in my prayers, and just remember, "Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal".
Sincerely yours,
Ms. B G Bowen

Ann Knox

October 22, 2010

Pat and fanily,
you have my deepest sympathy during the passing of your mother. She was a wonderfully spiritual woman, friendly, always smiling and with the voice of an angel.
She will be truly missed by all.

Kim Wilkins

October 22, 2010

To Pat and Family,

The Lord has called His faithful servant home to be with Him. Ms. Jennings is in Heaven singing and rejoicing with the Angels. She was very sweet and kind. She will be miss by many who love and adore her. You and the family are in my thought and prayer.

God Bless

Lena Johnson

October 22, 2010

I did not have the privilege of meeting Ms. Jennings however, if one's offspring is truly an indication of who a person is then I can rest assured that she was a strong, compassionate, and loving woman. No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you Pat and your family. God Bless You All.

Minister Dartameon Leonard

October 22, 2010

I thank God that I was able to have known Mrs. Jennings growing up singing in the choir as a young boy listening to her as she would sing "IT IS WELL" and how she would so graciously hit those high notes when we would sing call him up. Her voice was impecable and could be detected above many. Yes we've lost a jewel but heaven gained a diamond. She has moved to a new address and is now singing in the heavenly choir. I extend my condolences to you Pat, Rev. Ruffin & BJ. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

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