Mary Jo Jennen

Mary Jo Jennen, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, while on vacation in Dirksland, Netherlands. She was born October 11, 1934, to Jerome and Lillian (Whitfill) Durbin in Weslaco, Texas.

She graduated High School as Senior class president in 1952, at The Lady of the Lake in San Antonio, Texas, an allgirls school. Upon graduation, she joined her family in Russellville who had moved to the area to become cattle farmers. Shortly after moving to Russellville, she met and married the love of her life, John Jennen Sr, in 1953. Their first son, John Jr (Johnny) was born in Russellville, Arkansas. They soon moved to Chicago, Illinois where their first daughter, Lillian was born. The family then moved to Glendora California, where their next three children were born: Loretta, Martin, and Pamela. The family relocated to Russellville, Arkansas in 1967, where she graduated from Capital City Business College and began her career with Continental Telephone Company, now part of Centurylink, until her retirement. The family made their forever home in Knoxville, Arkansas in 1972, until the passing of her beloved husband in 2013, then returned to Russellville surrounded by loving family and friends from near and far away.

For many years, she was involved in the EHC in Knoxville, served as Knoxville City Treasurer, 4-H leader, St. John Altar Society, Secretary for Knoxville Cemetery, and taught bible school at St. John. She was always ready to help wherever she was needed. Loved to dance and enjoy a good party.

She loved being independent but never missed the opportunity to be pampered. She enjoyed being the center of attention graciously. She served as a role model to all of us modeling humility, integrity, gratitude, and drive to live life. Her enthusiasm and zest for life will be missed.

A devout Catholic, she was most proud of her family and is survived by her four children, a son, Martin Jennen (Nola) of Branson, Missouri; three daughters, Lillian Jennen (Norm Lynch) of Marathon, Florida, Loretta Kirkpatrick (Greg) of Gulf Shores, Alabama and Pamela Parks Grant (Michael) of Wewoka, Oklahoma; 12 grandchildren, Eric, Tosh, Ray, Misty, Holly, Kara, David, Bryan, Richard, Steven, Chad, and Kelly; 20 great-grandchildren, Zane, Cade, Brandon, Samatha, Katelyn, Leif, Josh, Britni, Case, Linkin, Kennedy, Caedon, Brooks, Heston, Leightyn, Addie, Paige, Bryce, Braxton, and Baxlee; two brothers, from Texas, Leo Durbin and Buddy Durbin; and a family of close, loving friends, Lynn Lipe, Hunter, Ashlynn, Ryan, Donna Dowdy, Brooklyn, Hailey, Wyatt and Raelynn.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John A Jennen. Sr.; their son, John A Jennen, Jr.; her father, Jerome Durbin; her mother, Lillian (Whitfill) Durbin; her stepmother, Loretta (Green) Durbin; and brothers, Harold and Jimmy Durbin.

All services to celebrate her life will be held at St. John Catholic Church in Russellville, Arkansas.

The visitation will be held at St. John Catholic Church on Sunday April 24, 2022, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., with Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m., at the church.

The funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 25, 2022, at St. John Catholic Church with a reception immediately following in the Parish Hall until 2:00 p.m.

Burial will be at 2:30 p.m., at Knoxville Cemetery and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Pallbearers will be David

Pallbearers will be David Jennen, James “Tosh” Keele, Richard Parks, Steven Parks, Ray Jones and Greg Kirkpatrick.

In lieu of flowers please make a memorial contribution in the name of Mary Jo Jennen to St. John Catholic School, 1912 West Main Street, Russellville, Arkansas 72801, or call 1-479-967-4644 or visit greatschools.org

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.