Michelle Renee Jennings' Obituary
Michelle Renee Jennings, age 58, of Newberry, Florida, while surrounded by her loving family, passed peacefully from this life into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This followed a valiant and courageous battle against her fifth bout with Ovarian Cancer. Michelle was born April 2, 1967, in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Robert Roy and Suzanne Faith Buth.
After graduating from Brown Dear High School in 1985, Michelle attended the University of Florida and graduated 1991 with a BS in Nursing. Michelle served as a Registered Nurse for 29 years, spending the last 19 years of her career with Fresenius Kidney Care, Gainesville, retiring in 2018 due to health issues from Cancer.
Michelle was a devoted wife, sister, aunt, “adopted grandma,” and friend who cherished her family above all. She is survived by her husband, Harlan Jennings, her brother, Dave Buth and his wife Susie, her nephew Rob Buth, his wife Bree and grandnephew Xander as well as her best friend Sue Thorton.
Michelle and her husband Harlan found each other late in life after years of being alone, yet they managed to squeeze a lot of living into their short time together by serving their God while attending The Family Church, Kol Simcha and later Beth Shalom Messianic Synagogue. More recently they became active members of The Gideons International. Michelle and Harlan loved each other deeply. They enjoyed traveling together to such places as Israel, Alaska, Washington State, Kentucky and Tennessee. Israel was their favorite, however, and returned for what would be Harlan’s second visit last October and Michelle’s fifth. Closer to home Michelle and Harlan loved regular trips to the Alhambra Dinner Theater in Jacksonville, watching faith-based movies at home, attending Bible Study with fellow believers and going out to dinner with family and friends.
Michelle’s faith in Christ was her guiding light. She will be remembered for her kind heart, giving spirit and unwavering love for others as well as her sweet, beautiful smile and infectious laugh.
Michelle and her brother Dave were a year apart in age and remained very close up until her passing. They always had each other’s back and were there for each other through the good times and bad. Michelle will be terribly missed by the two men who loved her most as well as all her close friends and family.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service, Sunday March 29, 3:30pm to be held at the Alachua Methodist Church, 14805 NW 140th St. Alachua, FL, followed by dinner in the Fellowship Hall.
Graveside services will be held for family only at Countryside Baptist Cemetery, Gainesville 1:30pm prior to the Celebration of Life service.
Contributions in Michelle’s name can be made to SIRA Women’s Health Clinic, 912 NW 13th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
Flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Michelle Renee Jennings may be sent to Williams-Thomas Funeral Home, 823 NW 143rd St. Newbery, FL 32669
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