Ernest Charles Jennings' Obituary
Ernest Charles Jennings, 43, of Columbia, MO passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at his home. Services will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Columbia. Services will be live streamed at 10:00 AM through the HT May & Son Funeral Home Facebook page and can be found at https://www.facebook.com/htmayfuneralhome.
On the morning of Thursday, October 26, 2023, Ernest Charles Jennings transitioned from this life to his eternal life at his home, in Columbia, Missouri. He was 43.
Ernest’s journey on earth started after many requests for a brother by Steven. He was welcomed into the world Saturday, December 29, 1979, by his parents, and his grandmothers in Muskegon, Michigan.
While growing up, Ernest attended Phillip Chapel AME Church where he served on the Junior Usher Board, as an acolyte and participated in the annual Vacation Bible School. This upbringing resulted in a strong belief in, respect for and love of God. Ernest didn’t have a favorite scripture, but he loved reading to his children from Kings. Often his mother was given the opportunity to listen to him discuss scriptures with those he surrounded himself with, some of whom are non-believers. She even walked in on him a few times on bended knee praying when his heart was heavy, and his mind was full.
Ernest developed a love for superheroes and animation early in life. Even though he enjoyed most characters, Batman was his absolute favorite. When asked why, he explained that Batman was motivated to rid the world of injustice in honor of his slain parents. He continued by explaining, that Batman didn’t have superpowers, but used his tools, technology and wisdom as his arsenal.
His passion for the arts was inspired by watching his father draw and paint. During elementary, Ernest drew a picture of the weather which was featured in the local newspaper. Later he drew a picture of the Mackinaw Bridge which was chosen by Muskegon Heights Public Schools and displayed in the Muskegon County Art Museum. As he continued exploring the arts, Ernest developed a love for photography. While in high school, Ernest became the school photographer and took pictures of sporting events and other activities. In 1998, Ernest graduated from Muskegon Heights High. Later he attended Kendall College of Arts and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he studied illustrations and graphic design.
Ernest’s life in the workforce started early. In middle school, he asked the corner store owner to hire him to sweep the parking lot, stock shelves and clean. While vacationing in St. Louis with family, he worked with his cousin, Darico, at a hair salon watching the client’s children and cleaning. In high school, he worked as a bus aide and in college he served as a custodian and office assistant. Ernest knew he had to work to survive and provide. At one point in life, he didn’t have a car and he often walked 9 miles to work at Wesco Bakery. Ernest relocated to Columbia, Missouri in 2015 and found employment at Engineered Plastic Components, (EPC) where he worked as the Material Handler. At the time of his demise, he was employed with Harbor Tool and Freight as a Logistic Associate.
Ernest lived life his way! When Ernest wasn’t working, he could be found writing poetry, working on a car, listening to Snoop, watching an action movie, or taking care of his children. Ernest loved his family and often could be heard saying, “Jennings One!”
Ernest leaves to cherish his memories. His parents Marilyn Calbert and Michael (Barbara) Jennings, five children; Christion Johnson, JaSharri, Aiyana, Heaven and Harmony Jennings; his brother, Steven Harris; a sister Katrina Dockery, his wife, Kennethia, one bonus daughter; Arielle Townsel, two bonus brothers: Jwanza (Jequilla) Watkins and Kasai (Florence) Pannell. In addition, Ernest leaves 5 grandchildren; Nyla, Tai’Vary, Octavious, Shondarius, and Ethan; His godmother, Sandra Sharp, a god brother and sister, Michael and Beatrice. Two brothers in-laws; Teno (Melissa) Parker, Thaddeus (Miranda) one sister in-law, Cacelli (Sean) Parker; 8 uncles and aunts; Larry Keener, Anjail Shabazz, Vivian Calbert, Danny (Angie) Jennings, Gus (Ann) Calbert, Jeffrey (Luease) Jennings, Vickie Smith and Terry (Rebecca) Jennings, a host of other relatives and four special childhood friends, Todd Penn, Sabrina Ware, Ray Martin and Theoddis Sanders.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Roy (Nancy) Jennings, Earnest Calbert, Alline (Raydell) McIntosh; his mother in-law Cheryle Parker; two aunts, Marilyn Kay and Julie Nicholson Keener, cousins, Keith and Jeffrey Jennings; and his godfather, Michael Sharp.
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