Debra Jennings

With a heavy heart, we share that our mother, Debra L. Jennings, passed away on Friday, January 23rd, 2026.

Our mom was 5’0 of pure spitfire. Small in stature, enormous in spirit. When something was unjust, she stood her ground without hesitation. She believed deeply, loved fiercely, and lived with conviction. She showed us perseverance not by words, but by example. One house phone number. One cell phone number. Moved 1 time growing up. Went to a top public school in Westervile. Steady, consistent, unshakable.

She grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, graduated from Glenville High School as an honor student, and carried that intelligence and determination with her for life. After divorcing our father Thurston Jennings III she did whatever was necessary to provide for her family. She waitressed. She worked as a nurse, got her paralegal degree, and then she did something extraordinary. She became a living legend & a pioneer in the construction industry.

Our mother built a long and respected career in construction and made history as the first woman to ever hold and operate a heavy equipment operator’s license in Local 18 in Columbus OH. Her nickname was “Lil Debbie” or “Pink Hardhat”. She worked in construction until she chose to retire, earning respect in an industry that was not built for women like her, yet forever changed because of her.

She had a huge heart, especially for the less fortunate, and a kindness that never needed an audience. If you met her, you didn’t just know her, you stayed connected to her. She left impressions that turned into lifelong friendships. She loved The Bee Gees so much, her son and daughter unconsciously know every song and every word to all their music.

She raised her kids to be hardworking, intelligent, and grounded in integrity. Everything strong in us came from her.

She is survived by her daughter Janine Jennings, her son Thurston Jennings IV, and her two grandchildren Rodney and Janine Ja’ney, her 3 nieces and many great nieces and great nephews, dear friends and collegues, who will carry her legacy forward.

She was a great mother. She was a remarkable woman. And she will be deeply missed.

Rest in peace, Mom. Your work here is done, and your impact will never fade.

There will be no funeral or memorial service.
If you would like to send farewell letters or cards, please send them to:

3695 Green Rd Ste 1204
Beachwood, Oh 44122

Private family arrangements are being completed with JERRY SPEARS FUNERAL HOME of HILLIARD, 5471 Frazell Rd.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.