Carolyn Jean Jennings

May 6, 1936 - September 9, 2019

Carolyn Jean Jennings, age 83 years, a resident of Metropolis, Illinois, passed away Monday morning, September 9, 2019, at 11:15 AM at the Metropolis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Carolyn was born May 6, 1936 in Dixon Springs, Illinois. She was the youngest of nine children born to Vessa Logan “Pete” Ditterline and Louisa (Smith) Ditterline. Carolyn is survived by: her children – Debbie (Danny) Hillebrand of Metropolis, Eric Jennings of Simpson, Kevin (Donna) Jennings of Grantsburg, Pam Ford of Metropolis, Brian (Gera) Jennings of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; grandchildren – Cassie Graves, Corey (Heather) Hillebrand, Jeanetta Ford, Steven Jennings, Sara Jennings, and Nicholas, Wyatt, Megan & Natalie Jennings; great grandchildren – Ashton & Destiny McDuffee, Selena Graves, Bailey & Layla Hillebrand, Lucas Evetts, Kristina Jennings and Elliot Flach. Carolyn was expecting the birth of a great grandson in October. She is also survived by her extended family – Eric (Amy) Wooley, Liz Meyer, Natasha Jennings, Dawnette (Scott) McCree, Scott (Rosa) Sparks and their families. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by 4 brothers – Hollace, Hillis, Neal “Junior” and Lowell Ditterline; 4 sisters – Bea Shoemaker, Verda Ragain, Phyllis Thompson, and Amy Wright; she was also preceded in death by her beloved 7 year old red head daughter, Sharon Lynne. Carolyn was a 1953 graduate of the Pope County Community High School. She was employed by the Good Luck Glove Company, Nationwide Glove Company, and Laidlaw Corp. Throughout these years, she made many friends with whom she shared fond memories. Carolyn battled and beat small cell lung cancer in 2012 through treatments and “giving up cigarettes cold turkey.” The cancer returned in October 2017. Her decision was to take no further treatments. Through God and her own toughness she endured. A graveside service honoring the life of Carolyn Jean Jennings will be held Thursday morning, September 12, 2019, at 11 AM at Nelson Cemetery, 10005 State Route 146 East, Grantsburg, Illinois. Pastor David Wright will officiate. Those attending the service are asked to gather at the cemetery at 10:45 AM Thursday. There will be no public visitation.