Sister Mary Lee Jennings, age 82 of Bedford, VA went to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her loving daughter and family.

Mary Lee was born on May 7, 1944 in Bedford, VA to the late Fletcher Johnson, Sr. and Katherine T. Johnson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Rufus Alexander Jennings; her son, Gary Wayne Jennings; two brothers, Fletcher Johnson and Jennis Johnson; and two sisters, Catherine Payne and Irene Saunders.

Mary accepted Christ at an early age and became a faithful member of Oakmulgee Baptist Church. After her marriage, she and her husband attended Reed Creek Baptist Church in Big Island, Virginia, where she faithfully served as a Deaconess and sang with the Reed Creek Senior Choir. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she was known for her kind heart, generous spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need. She loved people deeply and never hesitated to extend compassion and encouragement to those around her.

As a devoted wife and mother, Mary spent many years caring for her family before entering the workforce. She was employed by the Elks Home, Eagle Aerie, Runk & Pratt, and Woodhaven Nursing Home, where she continued her calling of caring for others. Of all the roles she held, her greatest expression of love was faithfully caring for her husband who was blind and battled cancer. She also lovingly cared for her sister, Betty Jean Parker, sharing many precious memories together.

Mary leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving children: daughters, Brenda (Tim) Tanner of Bedford, VA, and Jackie (Eddie) Rice of Lynchburg, VA; sons, Barry Allen Jennings (Johnny McGlothlin) of Cedar Bluff, VA, Greg (Amy) Jennings of Denver, CO, and James Starks of Bedford, VA.

She also leaves a devoted sister-in-law, Anniemae (George) White of Big Island, VA; three sisters, Josephine Jones of Lynchburg, VA, Betty Jean Parker of Bedford, VA, and Julia Kasey of Bedford, VA; one brother, Rudolph (Bessie) Johnson of Bedford, VA; along with a host of cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends.