- November 23, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Howard Prentiss Jennings
1940-2022
Howard Prentiss Jennings, 82, of Palm Coast, Florida departed this life on May 22, 2022. He was born on May 7, 1940, to the late Carrie Odom Jennings and George Jennings.
Howard was born in Chester, Pennsylvania and was a 1958 graduate from Chester High School. Howard tells the story of how he took a paper bag of clothes and his last $200 he had earned from working at the New Jersey shore and entered college. In 1961 Howard earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Cheyney State College in Cheyney, PA.
He also joined the Delta Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated where he was a member for 61 years. Most recently Howard joined Beta Delta Lambda Graduate Chapter of the fraternity in Palm Coast. While at Cheyney, Howard met and later married his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Agnes Howie. To this union was born three children Kimberly Ann, Brian Howard, and Pamela Mary Jennings.
Howard earned a Masters degree in Education from Antioch College and the University of Pennsylvania. He began his career as a Special Education Teacher before becoming the Special Education Administrator in the Philadelphia Public Schools. Howard also served as the Director of Special Education, and the Inaugural Principal of the Scofield Magnet Middle School in Stamford, Connecticut, where he founded the ‘Dollar for Scholars Program’. Howard culminated his career as a consultant for the Union Pacific Railroad in the development of small learning communities for cosmopolitan high schools. Howard reveled in opportunities to serve children and their families, always remembering his humble beginnings and wanting ‘more’ for the children he worked with each day.
Howard’s community service recognitions were numerous throughout his career including from the NAACP, Stamford Board of Education, Ready Kids, 100 Black Men of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and membership in Mt. Aery Baptist Church, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Howard also founded camp E.C.H.O. (Exceptional Children Have Opportunities) and the Families Together organization in Downingtown, PA.
In 2004, Mary and Howard moved to Palm Coast, Florida where they met and grew to cherish many neighbors and friends. Retirement afforded Howard the opportunity to spend more time playing tennis and golf, watching Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies and 76er’s games, reading books with his ‘Books and Beyond’ social group and enjoying social gatherings with the HOST of Palm Coast.
In his spiritual life, Howard enjoyed a repertoire of anthems, church hymns, gospel, Broadway Show tunes, jazz and popular music. He loved home-cooking and fine dining experiences alike. Howard was best known as an avid cook and could be critical of meals not well prepared.
Howard was preceded by his parents: Carrie Odom Jennings Hoban and George Jennings; son: Brian Jennings; sisters: Audrey Sweeper, Janet Newsome, and Dorothy Fletcher; brothers: William, George, James Herman, Arthur, Jesse Jennings, and Harrison Hoban.
He leaves to cherish his treasured memory, his wife: Mary Agnes Howie Jennings, two daughters: Kimberly Ann Jennings of Columbia, South Carolina and Pamela Mary Jennings of Greenwich, Connecticut, two sisters: Elaine Jennings of Roslyn, Pennsylvania and Annie Hoban Johnson (Abe) of Temple, Texas, Sister-in-law Yvonne Edmonds Jarmon (Charles), step-son: Howard Donaldson, Colorado Springs, Colorado, great-grandchildren, grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Visitation of family and friends will be 9 a.m.-11 a.m., Saturday, June 4; Memorial Tribute will commence at 10 a.m. led by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Celebration of Life service will commence at 11 a.m., at Palm Coast United Methodist Church, 5200 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast. Reverend Dr. Kevin M. James, officiating. Online condolences: www.flaggserenitychapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel, 2400 Madison Street, Palatka, Florida.
