Mary Katherine Jennings

Mary Katherine Duggins Jennings (Mary Kay), 85, of Brevard, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025. She was born on September 20, 1940, in Florence, Alabama.

In 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, William Nevinson Jennings IV (Bill) in Norris, Tennessee. Their love has spanned over 7 decades.

Mary Kay believed in the power of education. She taught and tutored children and young adults with learning disabilities and Tourette Syndrome, founded the disability services program at Oglethorpe University, taught adult literacy at Blue Ridge Community College, and volunteered with the AAUW in Brevard. She also had a strong love of music and could often be found playing piano or hammered dulcimer or attending concerts at the Brevard Music Center.

Mary Kay was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

Mary Kay is survived by her husband, Bill; son, Will Jennings and wife Debra Jennings; son, Jay Jennings and husband Ames Beckerman; and granddaughter, Alexis Jennings. She is also survived by many nephews and nieces.

Memorials will be held in Norris, Tennessee and Brevard, North Carolina at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth, and Families. https://www.blackmountainhome.org.