Patty Jennings-Sharp

Patty J. Jennings-Sharp, age 79, was called to Glory by her Heavenly Father and passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, on September 1, 2024. Patty was born on February 4, 1945, in Cedartown, Georgia to Opie Rucker and Buckey Grier.

In the earlier years Opie and Patty relocated to the charming town of Pennington Gap, VA. After several years, they journeyed to Columbus, Ohio, where she attended Mohawk Junior High School and Central High School. Patty graduated from Central High School, in the class of 1964. Upon graduation, Patty married her high school sweetheart, Warren Jennings, Jr., and to that union a son was born, Warren Jennings III.

During her teenage years, Patty had an impeccable interest in helping others, which led to embracing a life dedicated to service and compassion. She displayed kindness, gentleness, and humility, which were her strengths to serve others. Patty also had a radiant personality with an infectious smile to greet everyone.

With God on her side, Patty had an opportunity to work at a rehabilitation facility for children with physical disabilities in the 1960’s, which was a catalyst to further her aspirations in healthcare at The Ohio State University Hospital.

A devoted and caring individual, Patty made a significant impact throughout her career and personal life. She spent 30 years as a physical therapy assistant at Ohio State University Hospital, where her expertise and kindness touched countless lives. During her years at The Ohio State University Hospital, Patty was grateful and proud of being recognized as an employee of the month.

Following her retirement, Patty continued her passion for helping others by completing massage school at Massage Away, and later establishing her own massage therapy business, A Touch of Hands, which she successfully operated for an additional 20 years.

Patty was a spiritual woman, with a relentless commitment to her faith that was unwavering. Her dedication to the Church and her studies in Christian

Counseling were central to her life. Patty and her mother attended Springhill Baptist Church when arriving to Columbus in the 1950’s. She worshipped at Oakley Baptist Church as an usher and nurse aide during the 1970’s. In the 1980’s, Patty became more spiritually enriched with praise and worship as an active member at Bibleway Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, as an usher, and participating with the women’s ministry until health challenges ensued in recent years. In 2001, she married her long-time friend Jay Sharp, a union that brought her immense joy and companionship. Together, they shared many adventures, and cherished travels. Patty, an only child, also embraced Jay's large family with open arms, finding great delight in being part of their lively reunions over the years. Patty was deeply devoted to her only son, Warren Jennings, who was the pride of her life. Her love and pride for Warren were boundless, and their bond was a cornerstone of her existence. Patty also cherished her role as "GrandPatty" to her four beloved grandchildren. Each grandchild held a special place in her heart, and she took immense joy in watching them grow, often showering them with affection and wisdom. The joy and fulfillment she derived from her family were central to her life, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of Warren, her three stepchildren, and her grandchildren, who will forever remember her with love and admiration.

Known for her strength and resilience, Patty faced health challenges for a number of years with remarkable courage and faith in God. Despite her diagnosis of frontal temporal dementia, she lived her final years with dignity, supported lovingly by Jay, who remained her constant caretaker.

Patty's spirit and devotion were evident in her love for gardening, homemaking, and creating a very clean, immaculate, warm, welcoming space for herself and Jay. Patty was well known for her fashionable outfits and stunning hats, which stemmed from her earlier years modeling in fashion shows in Columbus, Ohio. She also broke a personal fear of aquaphobia by learning how to swim at the YMCA with an inspiring instructor during her early 70’s. We all were very proud of her in this achievement.

She infinitely loved “sweets”. Sweet treats (pies, cakes, ice cream, cookies, candy etc.) were an absolute staple during the course of her day—without a doubt. She would never pass up an opportunity for something sweet to eat or make from scratch in the kitchen.

Traveling and reading novels were among her many interests. She had visited the Caribbean, Israel, Italy, Greece and many cities in the United States. She was hopeful to return to the Mediterranean area again in 2025, accompanied by her son, Warren and daughter in law, Kathleen.

Patty's passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her. She is remembered fondly as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, a dedicated caregiver, and a cherished friend. Her legacy of compassion, faith, and strength will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

She was preceded in death by Opie Mae Rucker, mother, Buckey Grier, father; Jake Rucker, stepfather; Frank and Mary Jane Munford, grandparents; Uncles, Otis Munford, Oscar Munford, Curtis Munford, Joe Munford; Aunt, Inez Barker.

In addition to her husband Jay Sharp, Patty is survived by Warren H. (Kathleen Printz-Jennings) Jennings III, son; step children, Jamie Sharp, Jennifer Sharp, Jonathan (Shannon) Sharp; step-grandchildren: Julian Sharp, Naomi Sharp, Susana Sharp, and Emery Rodriguez; cousins: Pam Hines, Jacob (Gladys) Hines, Mervin (Sandy) Hines, James Hines, Marilyn Price; and a host of relatives, cousins and friends including: Edie Walls, David and Barbara Cox, Kim Cox, David Walls, Pearline Byrd, and Glen and Mariam Johnson.

A celebration of Patty's life will be held on Friday, September 13 at Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 453 S. Wheatland Ave., Columbus, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (https://www.theaftd.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/) in Patty's memory.

Rest in peace, Patty J. Jennings-Sharp. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.