Dorothy Wissman Jennings

Dorothy Wissman Jennings, of Parkville, MO, formerly of Sedalia, passed away Sunday, April 25, 2021 at Wexford Place Memory Care in Kansas City, MO.

She was born on October 26, 1924 in Pettis County, MO, daughter of Robert and Amy (White) Wadleigh.  On November 18, 1942 in Sedalia, MO, she married Chester Wissman who preceded her in death on April 12, 1983.  On February 15, 1986 in Sedalia, MO, she married Orville F. Jennings and he preceded her in death on April 22, 2012.

Dorothy was a lifelong member of the Flat Creek Extension Club.  She served on the University of Missouri Pettis County Extension Council in many roles and committees including chairman of the committee to design the needlepoint square for the state bicentennial display, and aluminum tray etching and textile painting at a county craft at Maplewood Grange Hall in 1952.

Dorothy taught sewing classes at State Fair Community College and beginning sewing and tailoring for girls from the sheltered workshop. She was superintendent of the Home Ec Building at the Missouri State Fair, reorganizing to secure more money for premiums. She was a nurse aide at Rest Haven. She delivered sewing notions and hair care items to area stores in eight counties.  She enumerated the United States census four times and worked as a Republican Committee election judge. She completed public opinion surveys for University of Missouri. She was a 4-H leader and attended the 4-H leader forum in Washington, D.C. in 1970.

Dorothy was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Baptist church and served as the Sunday School superintendent, as well as the Sunday School secretary for thirty years and VBS superintendent for twelve years.

Dorothy served as the P.T.A. president at Anderson School, as well as the chairman of chili suppers and graduation programs many times. She was a member of the ABWA and served as public relations chairman for two years.

She cared for her invalid brother and later her aged mother at home.

Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, crafts, painting, visiting with people, playing with her grandchildren, and helping maintain a country cemetery.  Her big heart allowed her to accept people as they are and to enjoy them all, young or old.

Dorothy graduated with an Associate of Arts degree with honors from State Fair Community College in 1972.  She was co-creator of the Roadrunner mascot costume.

Dorothy, the seamstress, found time to sew for many weddings; a young girl’s pageant dresses; nursing home residents whose clothes needed altering; and patching farmers’ overalls.  The ever-brave Dorothy taught several grown women how to drive a car, so they could be independent.

Survivors include two sons, Richard Wissman of Greenwood, MO, James Wissman of Clinton, MO; one daughter, Sharon Lewis, of Parkville, MO; three step-children, Anita MacPherson (Monty) of Blue Springs, MO, Pam Smethers (Dennis) of Green Ridge, MO, Gale Jennings (Janice) of Green Ridge, MO; four grandchildren, Jeffery Wissman, Jason Wissman, Amy Cimbura (John), Luke Gardner (Sarah); six great-grandchildren, Megan, Mara, Mila, Axel, Finnleigh, and Henry; seven step-grandchildren, and several great-step-grandchildren.

In addition to both of her parents and both of her husbands she was preceded in death by two brothers, Glenn and Harold Wadleigh.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia, with burial to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be Jeff Wissman, Jason Wissman, Luke Gardner, John Cimbura, Kenny MacPherson and David Dick.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.