Joseph Ray Jennings, a devoted Minister of Music and beloved choir director, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, in Big Rapids, Michigan, with his immediate family by his side. He was 83 years old.

Born on October 3, 1941, in Pontiac, Michigan, Joseph cultivated a lifelong passion for sacred music. He pursued his calling at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Church Music.

Joseph began his ministry as Organist and Choir Master at the First United Methodist Church of Arlington, New Jersey. He later served for over two decades as Choir Director at the United Methodist Church in Massena, New York, where he became a cherished figure in the church and wider community. In 1989, he moved to Fremont, Michigan, where he faithfully served for 29 years as Minister of Music and Choir Director at Fremont United Methodist Church.

Throughout his 49 years in the music ministry, Joseph's legacy was one of excellence, creativity, and service. Joseph conducted the Fremont Community Choir in annual Dogwood and Christmas performances, including Handel's Messiah, and led both vocal and handbell choirs at Fremont United Methodist Church. A gifted musician, he played organ, piano, and cello, and accompanied many students in competitions. He gave piano lessons, he imagined and brought to fruition the church's prayer garden, and was known for his love of antiques, cooking, and hosting friends—especially his beloved Saturday muffin parties, earning him the nickname "the Muffin Man."

Upon his retirement, Joseph moved to Big Rapids to be near his family. He enjoyed the simple joys of life—cooking, tending to his beloved plants, visiting the farmers market, reading The New Yorker , and continue hosting his signature "Muffin Parties," where friends and neighbors gathered in fellowship.

Joseph was preceded in death by his loving parents, Cecil and Bessie (Dunseith) Jennings. He is survived by his siblings Nancy Parsons, Robert Jennings, Jeffrey (Denise) Jennings, and Edward Jennings; as well as his beloved nieces and nephews: John Parsons, Julie VanderWiere, Robert Jennings, Matthew Jennings, Travis Jennings, Andrew Jennings, Sarah VandeLaar, Jessica Jennings, Jennifer Jennings, Jillian Jennings; and many grandnieces and grandnephews who were deeply enriched by his love and wisdom.

In accordance with Joseph's wishes, there will be no public memorial service. A private family graveside service was held to honor his life and legacy at Ridgeview Memorial Garden in Grandville, Michigan where he was laid to rest.

Joseph Ray Jennings's music lives on, in the hearts of all who heard it—and in the peace of the places and people he so lovingly nurtured.