Mr. Carl Eugene Jennings

Obituary “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1 Carl Eugene Jennings Sr. was born on February 15, 1934, in Rosharon, Texas. His parents, the late Henry and Reverend Violet C. Jennings had a blended family of twenty-two children. He attended China Grove Elementary School and Marshall Junior High School and Senior High School in Rosharon. After the family moved to Houston in 1949, Carl graduated from Jack Yates Senior High School in 1952. After High School, he began working at Southwestern Bell/AT&T and began his career as a mail boy. In 1952 he joined Wesley AME Church, under the leadership of Pastor W. D. Williams. He held the positions of Steward Pro Tem, Treasurer, and was a member of the Stewardship and Finance Committee at various times under the leadership of Pastors W. D. Williams, E. E. Coates, and Leo Griffin. He was a faithful Church School and Lay member in good standing, as he supported his church in every way for over seventy years. He remained a true missionary who often visited the sick and shut-in and helped those who needed assistance. On Monday nights, Carl, and his older brother Willie (Bill), would attend Bible Study at Disciples of Faith Church pastored by Reverend George McCollough. Carl would open with prayer and hymns, which he loved to sing in their entirety. He was drafted and joined the Army in 1957. After his military service, he returned home. He continued working for Southwestern Bell/AT&T for 43 years and was promoted to Supervisor. He had a strong commitment to the military and he re-enlisted in the Air Force Reserves retiring after 23 years as a Tech Sergeant. Carl Sr. was blessed with the gift of Fatherhood when Carl Jr. was born in 1955, to continue his name. Carl Jr continued to bless his father with six grandchildren. The Lord did not stop there. God allowed Carl Sr. to adopt his niece Lena and reared his granddaughter Raven as his own. After retiring, he returned to his “roots of farming.” Carl and his siblings bought land and started their farm. They grew fruits and vegetables. They also raised chickens and cows. He loved to hunt and fish and was an excellent farmer for more than 25 years. He had a “heart of gold”. He was an affectionate pillar of the family, always looking out for any family member in need of care. He loved helping and did so without a fuss. Carl was a “straight shooter.” He loved to hear and tell good jokes. He had a wonderful sense of humor. For over twenty years, Carl organized the Jennings and related families’ Reunions, which many family members and friends attended each year. One year, there were over three hundred and seventy-five family members and guests in attendance. He enjoyed seeing family and having an enjoyable time together. Carl Sr. will be missed by his family and friends forever. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers, six sisters, his wife Mozell, and daughter Lena. He leaves to mourn his son Carl Jr. (Rosalind) and five grandsons, Alvin, Jonathan, James, Michael, and Paul Jennings of Texas; two granddaughters Alexis Smith and Raven Jones of Texas, six great-grandchildren, Justus and Jaia Jennings of Illinois, Ann Marie, and Avery Jennings of Texas, Brynlee and Charlotte Jennings of California, his five brothers, Joe, of Kansas, Willie (Delano), Johnny, John, and Bobby Jennings of Texas; and his three sisters Adele Harris of Texas, Bettye White of Oklahoma, and Mildred Wright (Howard) of Maryland; his second wife Charlie Mae Jennings of Texas (Aunt Cathy), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. During his period of illness, his care team included Joetta Nevels, Carl Jennings Jr. (Rosalind), Aldo Ray Smith (Buster (Paula), Alan Battle, Raven Jones of Texas, and Melissa Sells (Wendell) of California.

Mr. Carl Eugene Jennings

February 15, 1934 - July 6, 2023