Mr. Curtis Jennings

In Loving Memory of Curtis Jennings All who knew Curtis Jennings loved him because he clearly loved them. Curtis was born to Eugene Jacob and Helen (Powell) Jennings in Detroit, Michigan on September 3, 1949. He was the second of five children including siblings Tyrone Jennings, Beverly (Jennings) Brown, Ph.D., Darryl Jennings, and Toby Vincent Jennings, Ph.D. Curtis was baptized and joined New Light Baptist Church at an early age. The idea of Ephesians 3:14–15 was important to Curtis: he knew there is a heavenly “Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.” Regarding family, his own was unquestionably dear to him as characterized by the acts of love he regularly displayed to them all; one example being sending his mother roses on his birthday as an expression of his undying love and gratitude for the exemplary mother she was. Curtis was the consummate young academic. Having graduated from Northwestern High School as valedictorian, magna cum laude, he was awarded a full scholarship to Wayne State University where he completed undergraduate studies in three years, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. Curtis’ life was characterized by compassion and service to the community. He had an administrative career that spanned almost forty years in the fields of mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation programming. He employed his administrative gifts in various roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer for more than thirty years at Self-Help Addiction Rehabilitation, Inc. (SHAR House), one of Michigan’s largest nonprofit rehabilitation treatment agencies. His work at SHAR House helped countless individuals to transform their lives for the better. Because his passion for serving others could not be shelved, following his retirement from SHAR, he was promptly recruited by the Southeast Michigan Salvation Army where he worked for another six years as their Director of Special Projects. In addition to these vocational responsibilities, Curtis served on several nonprofit boards. His service naturally extended to his own neighbors, as he was elected president of the board at the 1300 Lafayette East Cooperative in Detroit, where he resided for more than forty years prior to entering what he sweetly considered “ultimate retirement.” Curtis loved to travel. He visited most states in the U.S., many foreign locations, including parts of Europe, China, and Thailand. Early on, he developed an affinity for the Spanish language and traveled frequently to South American locales such as Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Mexico; the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and other Caribbean Islands. Curtis loved all kinds of music and had a special appreciation for Broadway musicals and plays, as evidenced by his annual trips to New York to sample the culture there. Curtis leaves to cherish his memory his sister Beverly (Willie), brothers Darryl (Shekini) and Toby, and two nieces and their families, Danielle (Charles) and Kelly (Nick). Curtis lived a full and rich life, having been blessed with a loving family and many dear friends locally, nationally, and around the world because Proverbs 18:24 was true of Curtis: he was “a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund in honor of Curtis Jennings at: https://bit.ly/4x6Z5RL

Mr. Curtis Jennings

September 3, 1949 - August 12, 2026