Jennifer Marie Ginther

Jennifer Marie Ginther, age 56, of Commerce Township, passed away suddenly on Monday, December 9, 2024, leaving a legacy of love, music, and inspiration. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on June 6, 1968, she was the beloved daughter of John Vincent and Judith (VanDeMark) Vincent.
Music was the heart of Jennifer's life, shaping her journey from age four when she began piano lessons. She discovered her passion and talent for the French horn during high school, performing with her school's marching band. Jennifer graduated from Lakeland High School in 1986. She earned a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Michigan State University, where she played mellophone with the Spartan Marching Band and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. She later earned her master's in Music Education from Central Michigan University. Additionally, Jennifer was a fifer and principal music arranger with the Midnight Riders Fife and Drum Corps and performed on both of their recordings.
Jennifer married Robert Ginther II, and together they had three beloved sons. Jennifer provided unwavering encouragement to each of her boys. They pursued various passions, and Jennifer supported them with the same dedication she committed to the arts. Whether it was music, sports, or any other dream they had, she was proud to be their biggest fan. Always in their corner, she cheered them on with the same energy and pride that she displayed toward everyone she loved.
Her professional career spanned 28 years in Southfield Public Schools, where she taught band and orchestra at Birney Middle School and Thompson Middle School. She inspired countless students to embrace music as a source of joy and lifelong fulfillment. After retiring from teaching, Jennifer's dedication to music continued to flourish. She served as the Director of Music Ministry at Milford Presbyterian Church, where she also performed as a collaborative pianist for Milford High School's Vocal Music Department. Jennifer was a clinician for middle school band programs in Huron Valley Schools and performed with numerous ensembles, including the Camerata Music Society (Vice President), Southeastern Michigan Wind Ensemble, Friends of Four Hands, Michigan Federation of Music (MFM), Michigan Music Association (MMA), Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra, Farmington Community Band, Detroit Community Concert Band and Orchestra, Tuesday Musicale of Detroit, The Steinway Society of Michigan, and the Sennoma Woodwind Quintet. She also shared the healing power of music through piano performances at the Henry Ford Cancer Institute.
Jennifer's exceptional contributions to the arts were recognized when she was named Member Emeritus for the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association after serving as District President and Volunteer of the Year by Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings. A lifelong learner, she continued to grow her artistry through private lessons and adult band camps at Interlochen. She was a devoted supporter of the Michigan State University College of Music and the Spartan Marching Band.
Jennifer is survived by Robert Ginther II and their three sons: Robert Curtis Ginther III, Matthew Field Ginther, and John Ronald Ginther. She is also survived by her mother, Judith Jane Vincent; sister, Catherine (Katie) Jane Lowran; nieces, Elizabeth Jane Schratz (Alexander) and Anna Elise Lowran (Elliot Geisert); nephew, LCpl Jack Bradley Lowran (Sarah); uncle, William Allen Vincent; and a large extended family. Her father, John Howard Vincent, preceded her death in 2021.
Jennifer's life was a celebration of love, music, and connection. Her laughter, wisdom, and boundless love for her family and community will forever resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.
Family and friends will gather to honor Jennifer's life during visitation on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Milford Presbyterian Church (238 N. Main Street, Milford, MI).
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM at Milford Presbyterian Church (238 N. Main Street, Milford, MI). A luncheon will immediately follow in the church's Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Jennifer M Ginther Spartan Marching Band Endowed Scholarship in Jennifer's honor.