Merlene (Mert) Jennings, 82 of Whitesburg passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026 surrounded by family. She was saved at an early age at Slate Hill Baptist Church and was a long time member at Midtown Missionary Baptist Church. She was known for her kind and loving heart.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Grover Jennings, her parents, Enos and Hazel Harville, her brothers, Frank Atkins, Marshall Atkins, and Daniel Atkins.
Mert is survived by her children, Rhonda (Donald) Cox, Pam Jennings, and Terry (Lisa) Jennings, grandchildren Eric (Jessica) Cox, Shane (Brooke) Cox, Paislee Jennings, great grandchildren Macie Cox, Sara Cloer, Silas Cox, Lane Cox, and Luke Cox, siblings Ola Wilson, Brenda Lyons, and Michael Atkins, several nieces and nephews. And Michael Hixon, who she loved like a son. Special thanks to Tammy Hamrick, sister-in-law Dorothy Short, and Jessica Haun.
Receiving of friends will be Monday, March 9, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Midtown Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral services to follow at 7:00 pm with Reverend Aaron Alder and Reverend Darrell Alder officiating.
Graveside services will be Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Hamblen Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Eric Cox, Shane Cox, Michael Hixson, Jesse Atkins, Gary Wilson and Roger Seals.
