Martha “Billie” Jennings, 77, of Columbus, GA, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by family, following a battle with cancer. She is preceded in death by her parents, Steve Harris and Mary Martha Harris (Fussell). She is survived by her sister, Jane Fleming (Harris); husband of 51 years, Mike Jennings Jr.; daughter, Collie Spakes (Justin); son, Mike Jennings III (Lauren); her grandchildren, Charlotte and Mason; and many nieces and nephews.
Born on March 11, 1947, in Columbus, GA, Billie grew up in Ellerslie and was a graduate of Harris County High School in 1965 where she was part of the Beta Club and Governor’s Honors Program. She went on to graduate from the University of Georgia’s Pharmacy School in 1969 and was a practicing pharmacist in Columbus for over 40 years. She was a passionate fan of the Dawgs her entire life.
Family and the great outdoors were the cornerstones of Billie’s life. She was an avid hunter and was admired for her creativity and knowledge. She and her husband, Mike, enjoyed visiting their hunting properties in South Georgia and Harris County during turkey and deer season. She was often accompanied by the couple’s many hunting dogs and friends, who they loved dearly.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Billie loved to visit her children and her grandchildren, who reside in the San Francisco Bay Area.
A lifelong learner and proactive planner, she and her family enjoyed traveling the globe, immersing herself in new cultures and experiences for most of her adult life. Known for her independent spirit, selfless generosity, incredible strength and upbeat attitude, she was a friendly face to many. She will be deeply missed.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Striffler-Hamby Funeral Home in Columbus located at 4071 Macon Rd., Columbus, GA 31907.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. inside the parish of Trinity Episcopal Church, 1130 First Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901, followed by a Graveside Burial Service at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Piedmont Hospital Columbus/Amos Cancer Center, https://www.piedmont.org/locations/piedmont-columbus/foundation-columbus/ways-to-give or Trinity Episcopal Church, https://trinityepiscopalchurch.com/online-giving/
