Obituary of Fitzroy Fredrick Hernando Jennings

Fitzroy Frederick Hernando Jennings was born on October 17, 1944 in Kingston, Jamaica, to Hazel Phillips and Winston Jennings, Sr. He was the eldest of 9 children. He was affectionately known as "Jen" to his family. He was a supportive son, father, brother and friend. He received his early education from the Jamaica elementary school system and attended Kingston Technical High School, graduating in 1963. During his high school years, he was active in the Student Christian Movement, serving as president for 3 years. In 1963-1964, he was selected by the National Youth for Christ Organization, as Jamaica's first exchange student to the U.S., where he earned the opportunity to study abroad, in Indiana, USA. He was an active member of The Church of the First Born ("Jonestown Gospel Hall"), located in Jonestown, Kingston, Jamaica. Very early, he demonstrated his ability to sing solos, in addition to providing the base voice for the church's quartet. His favorite gospel singer was George Beverly Shea, Billy Graham's lead crusade vocalist. In 1964, after his return from studying in Indiana, he was employed by the Ministry of Housing, in Kingston. While there, he was granted a scholarship to further his education at Hammersmith College of Quantity Surveying, located in London, England. In 1966, Fitzroy migrated to the United Kingdom and commenced classes in the fall of that year. In 1968, he got married and from that union produced his two eldest children, Sharon Andrea and Andrew Anthony. Two years later, in 1970, he relocated to the Unites States. During the 1970's, he was an active member of Miracle Temple, in Brooklyn, NY, where he functioned in various leadership capacities, including pastoring. In the 1980's he became a member of Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene, in the Bronx, NY, where he actively participated in the praise and worship ministry. While residing in NY, he held various positions, and settled into a 32 year career with The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (NYCHHC) where he directed the Sterilization Processing Unit. Under this role, he performed his main duties at the Lincoln Medical and Mental Hospital, in the South Bronx, NY. His expertise within the realm of hospital administration afforded him the trust and confidence of the NYC hospital consortium, which expanded his role and responsibilities. In addition to his directorship at Lincoln Hospital, Fitzroy coordinated the Sterilization Processing Units for Harlem and Metropolitan Hospital, until his retirement in 2010. In 1988, he remarried and resided in Mount Vernon, NY. That union produced his youngest child, Sherri-Ann. He was pre-deceased by his mother (1976), his father (2013), his youngest sister, Dell Rose (2016) and his brother, Elisha "Steele" (2017). Sadly, on 1/31/22, his wife of 34 years, Sonia, joined him in the light. They are together again, with our Lord and Savior! Following a 27-year illness, and other medical challenges, Fitzy spent his final years in Maryland. There, he resided with, and was lovingly cared for, by his daughter, Sharon, her husband, Kareem, and Fitzy's 3 grandchildren. On January 5, 2022, our beloved Fitz passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and God's grace. Thank you Father for your loving mercies! Fitzroy Fredrick Hernando Jennings is now Free and in the Light! He leaves to mourn his loss, his daughters Sharon and Sherri-Ann, son, Andrew, grandchildren, Tahj, Karma and Ezra, Samantha, Logan, Kayla, his sisters, Vandrene and Madge, brothers, Patrick, Winston. Jr., Alvin, and Paul, many nieces, grandnieces, nephews, grand-nephews, and numerous loving relatives and friends.