Frances Jennings

Frances Marie Jennings was born to Andrew and Julia Wells on March 24, 1936 in McComb, Mississippi.

Frances eventually left Mississippi and headed to Chicago. She lived in the Vista Gardens Apartments on the southside for 40 years. She loved to bake and was affectionately known by her neighbors as the “cake/pie/cookie lady.” Frances also supported her family by working at Jewel Osco grocery store as a sales associate for 20 years. Customers, friends, and family were guaranteed to be greeted by a warm smile if they saw her while shopping. 

Frances loved her family and was a mother not only to her children but also her grandchildren. The meals she cooked for them were often served with words of wisdom. Her grandchildren fondly remember her saying things like: 

“Don’t stick yourself in someone else’s mud.” It was her way of telling me to mind my own business. – Tim McGowan, grandson

“Do like the white cat told the black cat and sit yo’ tail down,” is what mama would say to me. – Malcolm McGowan, grandson

Frances was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on January 13, 1973. She loved her ministry and made sure everyone she came across knew Jehovah’s name and promises. Isaiah 41:10 was her favorite scripture:

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.”

Frances fell asleep in death on October 20, 2020 after battling various illnesses for some time. She was preceded in death by her husband William Jennings, parents Andrew and Julia Wells, brothers Andrew Wells, Williams Wells, and Robert Wells and grandson Caress Davis.