Obituary of Juanita J. Jennings
Juanita June Jennings, age 91, of Morris, passed away peacefully, Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Lightways Hospice, Joliet, with her loving family by her side.
Born July 22, 1934, in Morris, she was the daughter of Clifford and Margaret (nee Leach) Ferguson, and was a graduate of Morris High School.
She married the love of her life, Donald Edward Jennings, and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage until his passing December 29, 2014. Her parents; three brothers, Clifford “Bud” Ferguson, Elwood Ferguson and Clyde Ferguson; and two sisters, Elizabeth “Jean” Hanrahan and Joan Jansheski also preceded her in death.
Surviving are her devoted sons, Donald A. (Vicki, nee Workman) Jennings and James J. (the late Jackie, nee Bockman) Jennings, both of Morris; her loving grandchildren, Erin (Brian) Dolwick of Arlington Heights, IL, Jordan Jennings (fiancé Mary Murdie) of Morris, IL and Jessica (Justin) Holman of Morris; her five great-grandchildren, Mason and Madalyn Dolwick, and Camden, Teagan and Karsyn Holman; one brother, David (the late Luann) Ferguson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In her younger years, she worked as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone Company and earned the distinction of being the youngest supervisor in her office. Don and Juanita later operated The Lonestar in Channahon for many years, where her talents in the kitchen and behind the bar will long be remembered. In 1962, Don and Juanita started Donico Inc., in Morris. Juanita worked in many capacities helping build to build Donico into the successful family business it is today.
Juanita was a beloved and caring wife and mother who adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was their doting GGma. She had a loving personality, was a friend to everyone she met, and had a smile that would light up the room. She loved time spent at their summer cabin in St. Germain, WI, where family gatherings made lifelong memories. She also enjoyed the time she spent living at The Pointe At Morris, where she served as President of the Resident Association and spent many hours working jigsaw puzzles.
Visitation for Juanita Jennings will be held Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 (at Deerpath Drive,) Morris. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 516 E. Jackson St., Morris, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Additional visitation will be held Thursday, at the church, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Juanita’s name to Immaculate Conception School or Operation St. Nick would be appreciated.
For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-942-5040 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
