Mr. Willie Howard Jennings

Willie Howard Jennings was born on February 5, 1920 in Valhermoso Springs, Alabama to the late Helen Draper Jennings and John Willie Jennings, at home by Dr. Tom Russell. He would be the only child from this union. Willie was affectionately called “Howard”, and he often spoke of his fond childhood memories growing up in Valhermoso Springs. He grew in his faith in Christ at an early age while attending Curry C.M.E. Church. He was educated in Morgan County Alabama, where he attended Union Elementary and was taught by his well-known aunt, the late Mrs. Allie Lee Draper-Thomas. Howard then matriculated through the Morgan County Training School in Hartselle, where he played football until he graduated. In 1940, Howard married his high school sweetheart Ruby L. Bibb, and they spent the early years of their marriage on a farm in Valhermoso Springs. Looking for adventure and work, the young couple moved to St. Petersburg, Florida where Howard worked for the City Gas Company. Howard and Ruby returned to Huntsville, Alabama, where Howard was employed at Redstone Arsenal. While residing in Huntsville, Howard and Ruby divorced and he moved to Chattanooga, TN to work as a bellhop at the Reedhouse Hotel. He then relocated to Decatur, Alabama, where he found employment with the Southern Railroad Company laying railroad tracks. Howard was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. His wartime exposure took him overseas to France. Howard received an Honorable Discharge for his military experience. After his military service, Howard returned to Alabama, where he met and married Emma Beatrice Sanford. They moved to Detroit, Michigan, in pursuit of better job opportunities. Shortly after moving to Detroit, tragedy struck with the death of his wife Bea. Days after arriving in Detroit, Howard was hired by General Motors, in their Chevrolet Gear and Axle division where he worked on the assembly line advancing to the position of Pipefitting Plumber. He was employed with General Motors for over 30 years until his retirement in 1983. While living in Detroit, Howard was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church under the Pastorage of Rev. J. S. Roberts. He attended church regularly and was active on the Board of Trustees, The Methodist Men’s Group, and Board of Finance until he moved to Ohio in 2006. In 1955, Howard married Ernestine C. Walker and together they enjoyed traveling, spending time at their cottage in Idlewild, Michigan, and visiting family and friends. Howard and Ernestine were also devoted foster parents to numerous children, giving them a fresh start in life. Howard was a very caring person and he took care of his Mother and his wife Ernestine, throughout both of their lengthy illnesses. After 37 years of a devoted and loving marriage, Ernestine preceded him in death. Howard reconnected with his first wife Ruby, and they remarried in 1995. Howard said, “I was Blessed when I reunited with Ruby”. Ruby’s three children, John Allen, the twins Myron and Marilyn, brought four grandchildren and five great -grandchildren into his life. He relished the role of grandparenting. His guidance, his life experience and his humor was treasured by his new family. Howard and Ruby realized how blessed they were to have so much joy of family in their lives. Due to health issues, they moved from Detroit to Cincinnati, OH where Ruby passed in September, 2011. After the loss of Ruby, Howard moved to Cleveland with his step-daughter, Marilyn. He treasured the Father-Daughter relationship they shared. As his health declined, he moved into Parma Care Center. Even though his health was declining, his spirits remained high. Howard heard the voice of Jesus say “My good and faithful servant, come unto me and rest” and he passed away peacefully on January 12, 2018 at 7:15 AM at Parma Care Nursing Home. Howard leaves to cherish and rejoice in loving and knowing him his Step-Children: John Allen Moreland Jr. (Nadine), Myron Moreland (Deloris) and Marilyn Moreland; Sister-in-law, Dorothy Fowler; Grand-Children: John Allen Moreland III, Michael Brandon Moreland (Deceased), Richard Moreland and Marcus Moreland; Great-Grand-Children: Christina, Julian, Isiah, Jasmine and Joshua (Moreland); God-Children: Gregory Ratchford, Charles Blair, and Lisa Sanford Cousins: Virginia Williams and Everett Draper; and a host of nieces, nephews , relatives and friends.

Mr. Willie Howard Jennings

February 5, 1920 - January 12, 2018