Christopher Lemul Jennings

Christopher Lemul Jennings, age 60, of Canton, Mississippi, went home to be with the Lord—and his beloved dog Moe—on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Chris was born on April 15, 1965, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Mr. and Mrs. Chalmers Lawrence Jennings. He grew up in Terry, Mississippi, the youngest of five children—Peggy, Janie, Travis, and Chuck. Chris graduated from Central Hinds Academy in 1983 and later earned his degree from Hinds Community College in 1999, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

On August 17, 1991, Chris married the love of his life, Kelly Lynn Kennedy, at the First Baptist Church of Terry. Together, they built a beautiful life in Canton, Mississippi, raising their two children, Cody Lawrence and Katelyn Ann.

Chris held many jobs in his early years, from installing observatory domes across the country to working dual shifts at the Jackson-Evers International Airport and Hunter Engineering. But it was after graduating college that he found a long and meaningful career with Bellsouth/AT&T, where he proudly served customers across Mississippi. Chris brought a servant’s heart to every role he filled—he saw his work not just as a job, but as a way to help people.

At his core, Chris was a man of deep faith, humility, and generosity. He loved God, his family, and his community. Whether buying a stranger’s groceries, tipping generously, or offering a word of encouragement, Chris was always ready to lend a helping hand. He found joy not in what he could gain, but in what he could give.

Chris took immense pride in his children and all they have accomplished. His greatest joy was simply being a husband and father, and his life was a shining example of unwavering love, quiet strength, and enduring faith.

Chris is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Kelly; his children, Cody Lawrence (wife Virginia “G”) of Savannah, Georgia, and Katelyn Ann Ackerman (husband Jake) of Plano, Texas; and his siblings, Peggy Jennings Champion (late husband Curly), Travis Jennings (wife JoAnn), and Chalmers “Chuck” Jennings (wife Amy). He was a proud great-great uncle and cherished by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janie Lucas.

A service celebrating Chris’s life will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home, 7225 S. Siwell Road, Byram, MS 39272, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, with the service at 10:00 AM, followed by a graveside committal at Terry Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Paul Walker.

Pallbearers include Tim “Junior” Maughan, Dwayne Brewer, Darrell Lucas, Shane Lucas, Dan Watson, and David Watson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to two causes close to Chris’s heart: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Children’s of Mississippi.

Chris’s life was beautifully reflected in the scriptures he loved:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”– 2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”– James 3:17–18 (ESV)“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul… Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”– Psalm 23 (ESV)

Chris Jennings lived a life that honored God, cherished family, and uplifted others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.