Mary Katherine Jennings

Mary Katherine Smith Jennings was born in Fallston, MD on October 20, 1918, to Frank and Ida Smith. Born on her grandparent’s farm, now the site of Youth Benefit Elementary School. Her mother died two days after her birth during the 1918 flu epidemic, leaving Katherine to be raised by her loving grandparents. It is said that her great grandmother was the 2nd white child to be born in the territory of Wyoming. Her mother was from Cheyenne, Wyoming. At 18 years of age, she moved with her grandparents to a cottage on Carrs Mill Road where she lived the rest of her life. In 1940 she married Gene Jennings having one child Karen (Lloyd).

Katherine was a lifetime member of Fallston Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school. Both she and her husband were counselors for the church youth group. She was presented a proclamation from Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler on her 100th birthday and was also a member of the Harford County Centurion Club. Katherine retired from A.P.G. in 1984 after 25 years of faithful service working as a secretary to the chief of the Physical Test Branch.

In recent years she enjoyed attending Oak Grove Baptist Church, greatly enjoying the “Living Christmas Tree”. Adventurous in spirit she and her husband joined the Bicentennial Wagon Trail in 1976 using their horses and covered wagon traveling to Valley Forge, PA for the celebration of America’s 200th birthday. Additional wagon trips were made to Canada and Georgia.

Enjoying all things rustic, she and Gene resurrected a 200-year-old chestnut cabin on their property in Fallston. Winter was always looked forward to with the hope of snow and the sledding to follow using her vintage champion sled. Her last ride was in February of 2021 at an amazing age of 103.

Katherine attended Youth Benefit Elementary and Bel Air High School. Great pastimes were writing poetry, playing harmonica and weekend jaunts to PA. She never lost her spirit of adventure, joy, and happiness. Her greatest satisfaction was helping in any way she could with encouraging notes, cards, or a phone call, and most of all praying for them. Katherine will always be remembered by her warm smile and giving heart.

In Katherine’s memory contributions can be made to: Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000, or In Touch Ministries, P.O. Box 7900, Atlanta, GA 30357-9979.