Maurice J. Jennings

Maurice J. Jennings, 68, of Fayetteville Ark. passed away surrounded by his wife and children on Oct. 10, 2016. He was born on Nov. 6, 1947 in Heber Springs, Ark., to Walter and Elva (McCarty) Jennings. He graduated from Heber Springs High School and graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Architecture in 1973. Maurice was a member of the Arkansas National Guard from 1968 to 1972. Maurice married Mildred "Sissy" Waits from Leland, Miss., on October 26, 1969 after a whirlwind romance that began with a blind date and a fateful trip to Mardi Gras. Together, they had two children. Building on carpentry experience gathered from his father, Maurice developed a keen interest in building design. This led to Maurice's career and success in architecture. Maurice was a partner of the late E. Fay Jones from 1986 to 1998, working with him since 1973. He then partnered with David McKee from 1998 to 2006. Maurice's designs focused on marrying each structure with nature around it. Maurice's son developed the same passion for the field, and joined him as a partner in 2011 as Maurice Jennings + Walter Jennings Architects. Maurice worked on many influential projects including Thorncrown Chapel (Eureka Springs), Mildred B Cooper Chapel (Bella Vista), Marjorie Allen Powell Chapel (Kingsville, Mo., Crosby Arboretum (Picayune, Miss.), Anthony Chapel (Hot Springs), Rio Roca Chapel (Palo Pinto, Texas) and Hunt Chapel (Rogers). Together with Sissy, Maurice developed his home and ranch as an oasis for his family and friends to enjoy. A true renaissance man, Maurice was a talented musician, loved cooking and canning, enjoyed caring for his livestock and horses, and possessed the artistic talent to design beautiful chapels and homes. He loved sharing a roaring fire and a good meal with friends and family. Those fortunate enough to spend time with Maurice knew of his courageous spirit and go-getter attitude. Maurice squeezed every drop of life and adventure from every occasion. These memories surround those he has left behind and remind us all to live it up! Maurice was preceded in death by parents Walter and Elva Jennings and sister Thelma Jennings. He is survived by his wife Sissy; children Walter (Eileen) Jennings and Marci (Blair) Crosby; grandchildren Scout Pepper Jennings, Jax Jennings Crosby, Fletcher Jennings Crosby, and Mattie Jennings Crosby; siblings Walter (Billie) Jennings and Jenni Jennings; and countless close friends and extended family. A celebration of life will be held on Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. at the Hunt Chapel in Rogers, Ark. Online memorials may be signed at www.nelsonberna.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Maurice Jennings International Experience Honors Endowment to support international travel for honors students in the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design (120 Vol Walker Hal, Fayetteville AR 72701).