Helen Joyce Jennings

Helen Joyce Jennings was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Roy Sr. and Julia Gumm (Hendricks). Joyce was a selfless wife, mother, and friend. She was very kind, caring and full of love. Joyce enjoyed spending time with family and friends, had a great sense of humor, and was quick to offer an “awwww, honey” when you did something half-witted. Joyce was beautiful both inside and out.

Joyce volunteered for many years as a Meals on Wheels driver and helped whenever possible at Corpus Christi Catholic Church and its community. After her children had grown and some had left the family home, Joyce pursued outside employment to keep her busy. She had a passion for counting and sorting money and started working at SunBank of Tampa Bay, first as a teller and then at the down-town location – counting money in the vault. The only thing that made her happier was her family.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, the love of her life, Richard Paul “Dick” Jennings; her parents, Roy Sr. and Julia; her brother, Roy Jr., and her sister, Geraldine. She is survived by her children, Kevin (Kelly), Greg (Cynthia), Cheryl (Scott) Freeman, and Kerry (the late John) Ostroski; her grandchildren, Joshua, Stacey, Kristina, Leann, Krista, Samuel, Becca, Claire, Jessica, and Ella; her great-grandchildren, Natalie, Zoey, and Mavis; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Joyce’s children know that their father had a plan. He went to Heaven first so that he could prepare a very special place for her. Joyce was surrounded by her loving children when Dick took Joyce’s hand and led her to their eternal home.