Donald Gene Jennings

Donald Gene Jennings left this world early in the morning on April 4, 2026. He spent his 90 years in service to his family, his faith, the public education system, his farm and cattle, and striving for the highest score in the bowling league.

Donald was born on September 26, 1935, to parents Sterling and Helen (Wright) Jennings in Hillsville, Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1958. Donald started his educational career as a teacher in the Loudoun County Public School System in 1958 before becoming a principal. He then went on to open Sterling Elementary School as principal in 1964. His career in LCPS continued for 33 years, becoming the first Director of Transportation as well as the first Director of Maintenance, retiring in 1991.

Donald loved nothing more than a beautiful day spent outside, a sporting event on TV, a home-cooked meal, throwing left-handed strikes at the bowling alley, and fellowship with his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara (Bobbie), son Donnie, daughter Sarah (Andrew) Hardymon, son-in-law Bill Everly, niece Jeanie Wine, seven grandchildren, Kyle, Jessi, Crystal, Reid, Luke, Helen, and Audrey, five great-grandchildren, and many other loved ones. He was predeceased in death by son Ronnie, daughter-in-law Pat Jennings, sister Eda Mae (Jennings) Wine, niece Nancy (Wine) Marouf, grandson Jason, and great-granddaughter Paisley.

A celebration of Donald’s long and love-filled life will be held at Harmony United Methodist Church in Hamilton, Virginia, on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 2:00 in the afternoon, where he and his wife were active members of the congregation.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the “Barbara and Donald Jennings Scholarship Fund” at Harmony UMC. Checks can be made out to Harmony UMC with the scholarship fund in the memo line. Harmony UMC 380 East Colonial Highway, Hamilton, VA 20158.