Obituary of Elizabeth Anne Hillman Jennings

Elizabeth "Anne" Jennings passed away peacefully on July 11, 2021, one week shy of her 89th birthday.  Anne was born July 18, 1932 in Lawton Kentucky to the late Harold and Jewel Hillman.

After a summer romance, she married the late Donald (Don) E. Jennings on New Year’s Eve of 1950. Don's career took them to many cities, and after completing their family of eleven in Columbus, Ohio, they relocated to Florida.  Anne had the ultimate career of raising nine children and transitioned seamlessly into the role of loving grandmother, or "Grammy".

Anne is survived by her children Donna Gum, Margaret Lavender, Elizabeth Turner (George), Kevin P. Jennings (Penny), Michelle Jennings (Patrick Stadt), Mary Earles, Jane Fritz (Greg), Phyllis  Mertens (Daryl).  Her treasures were her grandchildren which include Tina Hackey (John), Arleta Malloy (Michael), Michael Patrick Jennings, Tracy Gregory, Amy Hornberger (Jack), Danny Becker (Christina), Stephanie Doutt (Matt), Deanna M. Earles, Michael D. Gum (Jessica), Gary Becker (Shanon), Sean Biest, George Britton Turner (Evila), Alicia Earles (Charl), Kevin Gum, Erik Earles, Christina Turner, Brianna Turner Nazaruk (Jeremiah), Geoffrey Fritz (Holly), Kyle Mertens, Shane Mertens (Lauren), Christine Jennings (Nathan). She also leaves behind a legacy of 36 great grandchildren, each of whom she shared a unique relationship with. Anne found herself the last Matriarch of both the Hillman and Jennings families, and her nieces and nephews were plentiful and loved. Her matriarchal presence will be missed as she finds well deserved rest in her heavenly home.

Anne joins her parents, her husband Don, her sister Phyllis Bunch, and her brother D.H. Hillman, son David Jennings and granddaughter Elizabeth (Lizzy/Bissy) Jonn Baptiste, who all predeceased her.

Her life was full, and even with quite the extensive family, she still made room for her role as a friend to many. The family will remain forever grateful to her best friend, Jean, who helped bring her peace as she readied for her final journey home. Anne was loved without measure, and as her great­ granddaughter stated, "Tell her we love her to heaven and back, because it is higher than the moon."

Anne had wished that her family and friends could gather at her pool for a celebration of her life instead of a formal service.  We will gather together on September 17th & 18th.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to William Childs Hospice House.