Michael Jennings

Michael Jennings, 70, passed away suddenly but peacefully into the arms of Jesus on January 31, 2023 at the Sentara Careplex Hospital in Hampton, Virginia. Michael was born on May 5, 1952 in Hampton, South Carolina to the late Theodore Jennings and Lottie Stokes. He had four siblings Robert, Sam, Major and Pearly Mae. Michael moved to Harlem, New York at an early age. After high school he was eager to work. Michael’s first job was at a Fire Station in Harlem, New York. He loved when it was time to go to the different schools and teach about fire prevention. He was so knowledgeable about so many things. He loved to speak to anyone who would listen, he always enjoyed a good conversation. Michael also worked at the New York City Department of Correction as a correctional officer. His true love was being a conductor for Metropolitan Transportation Authority. He joyfully retired after 20 meaningful years. He enjoyed the city life but as he got older, he loved traveling down South, where the pace was slower and calmer. Michael’s favorite color was blue. He loved listening to his 70s oldie but goodies, fishing, Monarch Butterflies and watching wrestling. On Saturdays he enjoyed going to the park, meeting up with the ‘fellas’, and attending cookouts or just holding great conversations. Michael loved many things but the thing he loved the most was…his family. He was a great Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Godfather and Friend. He was loved by so many, but it was one special lady, Barbara Robinson, that he met in 1975 who put a twinkle in his eye and butterflies in his stomach. By 1979 they were happily married and from that union four handsome sons were born: Michael, Brandon, Brian and Jared. Michael also had a beautiful daughter, Mikell Monique from a previous relationship. He was a wonderful father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren. Michael has left a magnificent legacy for them all to follow. Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Jennings and Lottie Stokes; Brothers Major Tobin and Sam Gordan and Sister Pearl Mae Jennings. Michael is survived by his wife Barbara Jennings; his Sons Michael Jennings (Charlene) of Hampton Virginia, Brandon Jennings (Carla ) of Queens, New York, Brian Jennings of Queens, New York and Jared Jennings of Hampton, Virginia; Daughter Mikell Monique (Elihu) Miles from Washington, D.C.; Brother Robert Brooks (Donna) of Hampton, South Carolina; Granddaughters Amanda Folkes and Mya Jennings of Elizabeth, New Jersey, Barbara Jennings and Mikayla Jennings of Brooklyn, New York, Ella Miles and Emerson Miles of Washington, DC; Grandsons, Carter Jennings of Queens, New York, Elijah Miles of Washington, D.C., Jayden Jennings and Jayce Jennings of Newport News, Virginia; Bonus Grandchildren William Murphy of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Charnita Burke of Newport News, Virginia, and Jef’shauna Burke of Hampton, Virginia; Godson Gehazi Robinson of Charlotte, North Carolina; Best friend Miquel Ortiz of Hackensack, New Jersey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. A visitation for Michael will be held Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM with a graveside committal to follow the service at Parklawn Memorial Park. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Jennings family.