Mark Ray Jennings, 57

A funeral service for Mark Ray Jennings, 57, of Verona, was held Nov. 10, 2023, at the Elm Branch Christian Church. 

He died at 5:50 p.m. Nov. 4, at the Lawrence County Manor in Mount Vernon, Missouri. He was born Aug. 22, 1966, in Gainesville, the son of Wallace and Rosie (Wiggins) Jennings.

Mark was a 1984 graduate of Forsyth High School and received his bachelor's degree in education from Missouri Southern State College in Joplin. He was an elementary teacher in Exeter. Mark loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending time with his children and the many foster children who came into the home. He enjoyed fishing, writing his own songs and woodworking. He was a prayer warrior, continually praying for his family and others. He had a wonderful sense of humor and liked to play jokes on his family. Mark was a member of the Elm Branch Christian Church.

On Aug. 13, 1988, he married Christina McKinney, in Houston.

Mark is survived by his wife of 35 years, Christina; nine children: William Jennings of New York, Kammie Jennings of Springfield, Randy Jennings and wife Jennifer of Kansas, Ryan Jennings and wife Aleesha of Aurora, Kimberly Jennings of Verona, Shelby Maples and husband Ezekiel of Aurora, Grace Jennings, Carrie Jennings and Laine Jennings all of Verona; seven grandchildren: Rayden, Waylen, Madi, Jazzi, Westen, Eleanor and Elowyn; his parents, Wallace and Rosie Jennings of Protem; two brothers, Pernell (Jackie) Jennings of Arkansas and Delmar (Shannon) Jennings of Protem.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to the Berean Christian Academy for Mark’s youngest daughter, Laine’s, tuition.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home, in Aurora.