Jennifer McClanahan's Obituary
Jennifer McClanahan, 66, of Columbia, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023, at her home. Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 3:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Columbia.
Jennifer McClanahan
Born January 28, 1957, to Margret and Arthur Watt as the fourth of eight living children in Gary, Indiana. Survived by siblings Lilajean and Raymond Ballinger, Lawrence and Kelli Watt, Timothy, Bethel, Margret-Gayle and Ardele and Kent Jarnecke; daughters Heidi, Autumn and Caryn; nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren. Preceded by husband Richard McClanahan, sister Krisanne, and sister in law Joyce Hooton.
Born Jennifer Jaye Watt at a time when “Jennifer” was so unusual a name that it was deemed one of the most beautiful forgotten names of history, she’s been setting trends ever since.
She’s also held grudges ever since. She found out Paris fell on January 28 back in the 1800s and would not read books about French history. She was incensed about science being made to give way to profit because the Challenger exploded on her birthday.
Fiercely loyal. She wore green and white every chance in support of her high school sports team, Valpo Vikings, though she hadn’t lived in Indiana for decades. No city in the country was better than Chicago. Her friends carried the title “friend” for decades.
Fiercely loving. Once married for love, it was for life. Once a child was taken in, she outdid Mama Bear and Mama Tiger together in protecting, loving, guiding, raising and scolding that child.
Fiercely fun. Never get on an amusement park ride with her if you have a weak stomach as she’ll come up with 82 ways to die on the scrambler and laugh both at you and at the absurdity of what she’s saying. Never leave your impressionable young children with her if you don’t want them breaking your bed because she’s taught them to jump on it like a trampoline, or being wild for 48 hours because she’s made brownies with them at 2 am. Mommy would always be younger than her daughters.
Fiercely opinionated (and quite contrary.) So determined to get the last word in that she sometimes argued with herself because everyone else fell silent.
Fiercely focused. In matters large and small, from choosing a house to musing on picture arrangements, whatever she was dealing with had to be completed in that moment or there would be no rest.
Her greatest legacy is her family. Every single one of her extended brood has been taught well and wisely, and stands fierce in the world today even in their insecurities and vulnerabilities.
Her death of lung cancer July 14, 2023, is a wonderful reason to gather together and celebrate this powerhouse of a woman who never saw herself that way. Service and celebration are scheduled for Saturday, July 22, 2023, beginning at 3pm, at First Baptist Church, Columbia, MO. Wear bright colors and come prepared to laugh through your tears.
Whether you make it or not, celebrate in your time, in your way. Just remember to pour out a bit of wine—or drink a bit more on her behalf—when you get a chance.
In lieu of flowers, please jump in rain puddles. Go skinny dipping. Play rock and roll loudly and scream yourself hoarse. Live your best life loudly, proudly, and with a lot of love.
What’s your fondest memory of Jennifer?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jennifer?
Share a story where Jennifer's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jennifer you’ll never forget.
How did Jennifer make you smile?