Barbara Jean Jennings

Barbara Jean Jennings, of Bonne Terre, MO, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at her home in St. Louis, MO, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, at the age of 91.

Barbara was born on Friday, May 6, 1932, in Bonne Terre, MO. She was the eldest daughter to the late Frank Peter and Emma Rose (Naeger) Vargo. Barbara was a woman of faith, a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Daughter’s of Isabella (D of I) in Bonne Terre, MO. She graduated from Bonne Terre High School. On October 13, 1951 she married A. Howard Jennings. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

She loved to dance (quite the dancer), listen to country music, eating out and watching a good Cardinal ballgame. She loved spending time with her family, but most of all she enjoyed being a grandmother and great-grandmother.
Her hobbies included sewing; she was a meticulous seamstress, quilting (making beautiful quilt tops), making banners for her church, crafts, cooking, canning and gardening. She also liked to refinish old furniture as she found the beauty in restoring antiques. She enjoyed working and spent endless hours helping others.

She is survived by her two loving daughters and spouses; Regina (Mrs. Duane Horton) and Loretta (Mrs. Mark Sebourn), one granddaughter Emily (Mrs. Josh Marshall), one great granddaughter Aurora Marshall, sister-in-law, Sharon J. Vargo, several nieces and nephews, along with many other relatives and friends.

Barbara’s husband of 35 years, A. Howard Jennings, preceded her in death at the age of 56. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Donald F. Vargo, Sr. and Michael E. Vargo, Sr.; sisters Dolorse C. (Vargo) McClain and Elizabeth (Betty Ann-Vargo) Fingers; brothers-in-law, Larry E. Jennings, Harry Lee McClain, Bobby R. Fingers; sister-in-law, Helen Chloe (Jennings) Vargo. Barbara will be greatly missed, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer Funeral Home in Bonne Terre, on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. Visitation to resume Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 9 A.M. A funeral mass, celebrating her life, will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11 A.M., with Father John Schneider officiating. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Bonne Terre. Memorial donations may be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, 16100 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO 63017 or to the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bonne Terre, MO.

Barbara’s daughters would like to thank the Mercy South Hospice nurses for the loving care and support they provided over the last few months.