Jennings celebrates 84th birthday

Mary Jennings celebrated her 84th birthday surrounded by family and friends. (Tribune photo / Marissa Holiman)

Getting the mail in Rivervale just won't be the same without Mary Jo Jennings.

Jennings retired this month after 35 years with the Postal Service and was treated to a surprise birthday and retirement party by friends and family Aug. 19 at the First Baptist Church.

The long-time Lepanto resident turned 84 on Aug. 20.

"She is going to be missed," said friend Chris Herndon. "She's very social. She always knew all of her customers."

Jennings first began her job as Post Master at the Rivervale Post Office on Nov. 19, 1979 .She served 35 years with Postal Service and three years prior to that, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. in civil service.

Jennings has always been involved in the community. She served 14 years on the School Board and was apart of the consolidation of Tyronza and West Ridge schools.

She and her husband, James Harvey, have been married for 63 years and are involved in the family business of farming. They have four children: Jimmy Jennings of Lepanto, Jo Ellen Sampietro (Frank) of Germantown, Tenn., Mike Jennings (Kay) of Lepanto and Cheryl Jennings of Memphis. They have 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and are expecting one great-great-great grandchild.

Although, Jennings was not really ready to retire as Post Master, she will enjoy playing bridge with her friends.

"I was apart of a Bridge club a long time ago and hope to start it back up," Jennings said.

"She's a real go-getter," Herndon added.

Proclaimation

Whereas, Mary Jo Jennings, a committed employee of the United State Postal Service and friend to the community is celebrating her retirement.

And Whereas her dedication to the community has always been without question or complaint, she was over the years touched numerous people, and NOW, THEREFORE, Kevin Wright, Mayor of Lepanto with the help of the Lepanto Community would like to join in with her friends and family by celebrating her retirement and honoring her dedication to her community by proclaiming August 20, 2008 as Mary Jo Jennings Day

In Poinsett County and with the help of the Lepanto community would like to express our appreciation to Mrs. Jennings for all she has done to enhance our community and our lives.

In Witness where of we have

Hereunto set our hand and

Caused this seal to be affixed

Mayor Kevin Wright

Attested Janice Morgan

August 20, 2008