Sterling Donnell Jennings was the seventh child of eighteen children born on April 7, 1931 in Rosharon, Texas, to the late Henry and Rev. Violet C. Jennings He was a graduate of China Grove Elementary and Marshall High School in Texas. Sterling played football and baseball in high school and thus began his love of sports. Upon graduating, Sterling enrolled in culinary classes in Texas and then enlisted into the Army. During that time he met and married Mary Ann Gipson and into this union twins were born, Marsha and Martha.
After serving in the Army, Sterling moved to Baltimore, MD and enrolled in Carver Vocational School. Sterling then met and married Mattie Black and adopted a step-son Junious. To that union were born, Angela, Victor and Matthew.
Sterling worked for Bethlehem Steel for over forty years as a technician. He was acknowledged and awarded for having an outstanding work ethic and attendance record. After retiring, he worked for State Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation for many years as a van driver, mailroom support, and security guard. He was known to be dependable and efficient and was a joy to be around.
Sterling was a faithful member of St. John AME church for many years. He served as a dutiful Steward, attended Bible Study and was a member of several other ministries at the church until his health began to fail. Sterling believed in tithing and continued to support his church even when he was not able to attend.
Sterling was known for being generous, faithful and kind. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking for family reunions and events. He was a true fan of baseball, football and basketball and enjoyed any conversation around sporting statistics.
Sterling was preceded in death by his parents, second wife Mattie and step-son Junious, four brothers and two sisters. He leaves to mourn three daughters; Marsha, Martha and Angela and two sons; Victor and Matthew as well as his life-long friend Virgie Mae Brandt. He also leaves six brothers and four sisters; Joe of Kansas, Willie (Della), Carl, John, Johnny (Winnie) and Bobby of Texas, Maltonia (Baltimore), Adele of Texas, Bettye of Oklahoma and Mildred (Howard) of Maryland, He also leaves a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Family and friends may call at The Johnson-Fosbrink Funeral Home, 8521 Loch Raven Blvd. (beltway exit 29-B) on Tuesday, September 3rd, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 4th, at 12 Noon in the Grace AME Church , 67 1/2 Winters Lane, Catonsville, MD, the family hour will begin at 11 AM. Interment will be Thursday, September 5th, at 11:30 AM in The Maryland Veterans Cemetery-Garrison Forest.