Betty Jean Jennings

Betty Jean Jennings of Saginaw, Michigan 

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Covenant HealthCare – Harrison. She was 71 years old. Betty Jean Schneider was born on March 24, 1953, in Keokuk, Iowa, to the late Marieta (Rhodes) and Roy Lee Garrison. She was a graduate of Van Buren County High School in Keosauqua, Iowa. Following graduation, Betty Jean proudly served her country in the United States by enlisting in the United States Army from 1971 until her honorable discharge in 1974. While station in Maryland, she met the love of her life, Winfred Alan Jennings. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on March 7, 1974, he survives her. Betty Jean then made Saginaw, Michigan her home. She was the owner and operator of “Betty’s Day Care” providing loving care and service to children from 1988 through 2000. The role of her lifetime, one she treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Her little piece of heaven was sitting in her chair, watching the birds, especially her beloved cardinals and blue jays. Betty Jean also took great pride in her flower garden, often taking pictures and showing them off to family and friends. She was a creative and artistic person who enjoyed crafting, sewing, and quilting. Betty Jean also enjoyed rock hunting with her husband, Winfred, coloring adult coloring books, and collecting Pokemon cards. Though she could be feisty, she will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, for selflessly helping those in need, for taking road trips across the country, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.   

Surviving are her husband of 50 years, Winfred Alan Jennings of Saginaw; two daughters: Anita (William) Nalevayko of Saginaw; Angela Jennings of Saginaw; seven grandchildren: Kayla (Matthew) Feith, Britni Nalevayko, Cody Nalevayko, William Nalevayko Jr., Wayne Evans III, Braydon Evans, and Lily Nalevayko; three great-grandchildren: Oliver and Josie Feith, and Salem Saenz;  six siblings: Leroy (Tina) Garrison, Judy Hesseltine, Beverly Burch, Julie Rainbolt, Laura (Russell) Brown, and Alvin Schneider; and a sister-in-law, Janice Slavin. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.  

She was preceded in death by mother and father, Marieta and Roy Lee Garrison. 

A Funeral Service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan, 48603. Pastor Julie Bailey will officiate. Military Honors will follow under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post 22. Honoring Betty’s wishes, cremation will follow the service. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.