Margaret Ann Jennings

She was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to William Glenn Cannon and Margaret Smith, and was a dedicated sister to her brother, William "Bill" G Cannon Jr. She attended Maury High School, home of the Commodores. Soon after school, she moved to Alexandria, VA, where she met her best friend and husband, Maurice Lee Jennings. Together they shared 64 years of marriage and built a wonderful life in their "forever home" in Annandale, VA. There she raised her family with complete devotion and unwavering love.

Ann’s legacy continues through her family. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Deborah Ann Sheckells and her husband Roy, and Margaret Elizabeth "Beth" Derogatis and her husband Greg. She was the very proud grandmother to her only grandchild, Graceyn Rose Derogatis.

She also leaves behind her nephew, William "Bill" G. Cannon III and his wife Tena, along with their children: William "Liam" G. Cannon IV, Joshua "Josh", Sarah, and Memphis Cannon. Ann has now been reunited with her beloved husband, Maurice Lee Jennings and her dear daughter, Lee Ann Jennings, who preceded her in death.

Ann’s life’s work was devoted to children. Beyond raising her own three daughters, she spent decades caring for others in the DMV through her career in childcare. After years of providing care in her home, she joined Mother’s Aides Inc. and served as the Director of On-Call Operations. In her role, she managed care for countless families across the DMV area and developed deep, lasting friendships with the other women that worked there.

She was a very creative person. Having learned to crochet from her Aunt Nell, she made blankets for her family and spent numerous hours embroidering with her daughters’ making pillowcases and scarves. Ann was also a seamstress, designing clothes and costumes, and later in life crafted beautiful Christmas ornaments that are displayed at the holidays in the homes of her daughters and friends still today.

Above all, Ann will be remembered for her generous heart. She made everyone feel like family, and she will live on forever, through the many lives she touched.

"The family will be honoring the lives of both Ann Jennings and her beloved daughter Lee Ann Jennings, who passed away on November 27, 2025. A joint service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA 22151. A graveside service will follow at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, VA.