Jennifer Dawn Heath, 41, of North Kansas City, MO, passed away on November 3, 2017, with family and friends by her side after a nine year fight against breast cancer.
Jennifer was born on April 30, 1976, in North Kansas City, MO. She graduated from Excelsior Springs High School in 1994 where she was involved in band, sports and the honor society. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Park University in Parkville, MO. She enjoyed working and being independent. She worked at Citibank for several years where she made many friends, most of whom she remained friends with through the years. She also worked at Applebee’s, California Casualty, KayCan, DH Pace and Bill Barr Co.
Jennifer was known for her infectious laughter and larger than life smile. She always said yes to adventure and loved being outside whether it be skiing, riding her bike or hanging out at the dog park. She cherished her time with family, friends and her dogs Gavin, Mia and Lulu. Her love of music was unmatched. She loved attending concerts and festivals, playing her piano, singing karaoke, dancing and driving around in her white Ford F150 with the windows down. Music was all around her. She was a confident, intelligent, beautiful woman who faced her illness with grace, bravery and, when needed, humor. She was also a very loyal friend through it all.
Jennifer was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Ivan and Norma Clark; her uncles, Jerry Clark, Jeff Clark, Roger K. Clark of Bethany, Illinois; paternal grandfather, George Frederick Mackelwyn Heath; step grandfather, Robert Wiley; and cousin, Hunter Perkins.
Survivors include her mother, Patsy C. Braden (Fred) of Osborn, MO; father, Shann Heath (Marie) of Lake Ozark, MO; brother, Brandon Heath (Faydonna) of Lawson, MO; aunt, Rhonda Clark of North Kansas City, MO; paternal grandmother, Virginia May Ballinger Heath; step grandmother, Lela Wiley; step brother, Scott Lingenfelser (Chamlie) ; step sister Michelle Lingenfelser; many nephews, nieces, cousins and great nieces. She is also survived by her beloved and loyal dog, Lulu, who was always by her side.
Her life will be honored and celebrated at Bross and Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs on Friday, November 10, 2017. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by a service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Afterward, family and friends are encouraged to share in fellowship at a place of their choosing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to: Metropolitan Community College, 3200 Broadway, KCMO, 64111. Please make checks payable to: MCC Foundation Support of the Vet Tech Program. On the check/money order please indicate “Behalf of Jennifer Heath/ Adopt a Pet Program”.
Our Sincere Condolences
Patsy, Brandon and family, so so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful, kind young woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Judi Seeley
I got to know Jennifer when I worked with her at DHPace. In fact, she was one of the first people I was introduced to and I remember thinking at that time, I want to get to know her! It was that smile, you all know what I’m talking about, it was infectious. I eventually got to know her and became friends and dog friends. I remember when she got Lulu. She was so nervous and wasn’t sure about her because Lulu was so strong. But typical Jennifer, she didn’t give up on her Lulu. I went over to her house to walk Lulu and she was right, that dog IS STRONG!!! But such a sweetheart.
My your soul rest in peace sweet Jennifer.
Nancy Frohwerk
I have so many middle and high school memories; with Jennifer. And that goat!
She would always finish the mile run before me and tease me for being slow. But she was right there telling me to keep going. She tried to teach me how to breathe once but I think I ended up hyperventilating. I don’t think I would have survived those years without her. She was my best friend and I loved her. Patsy, Brandon and Shann: you are in my prayers and thoughts. Peace be with each of you.
Kristy King Lewis
Our deepest condolences to Jennifer’s family and friends, you will be in our prayers.
Jennifer, you will be truly missed. We enjoyed spending time with you and hanging out and Christmas dinners, you were always there for us during our tough times and for that we will be eternally grateful. We love you and you will be truly missed.
Jed and Andrea Myers
So sorry to hear about the passing of Jennifer. Prayers are with the family.
Bruce Cantwell
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I only knew Jennifer for a few years, but she was a very positive, happy, intelligent woman! She was an incredible woman. My deepest condolences to the family & friends of Jennifer.
Love always,
Ashley
Jennifer was a year ahead of me in school but I admired her. She would enter a room and the whole energy in the room changed. She exuded a bright light that was so powerful it could change the mood and energy of others. She was such a blessing to everyone that knew her. Her spirit is so bright – it is still with us.
Rebecca Baker
I have never known a stronger fighter than Jennifer against this horrible disease, we call cancer. If you had met Jennifer during this battle, you would have never known she was fighting this war. Always a smile with an attitude that she could climb any mountain with! She had such an appreciation for everyone and everything in life. I will miss her sense of humor, which was great. Her late night text messages trying to encourage me after a rough day at work. But most of all, I will miss her love of life! Always in a great mood, always a word of kindness. She was so appreciative for any act of kindness that she received. Always speaking from her heart. She always found the rainbow in the storm. Jennifer had a love for life and all people. A loss to all of us … God bless her and give us strength to endure this loss.
Diana & Rick Loewe
We have wonderful memories of this sweet gal. Larry was her HS principal. We were also blessed to have her and Patsy as our neighbors. What a pretty girl…We will always remember her infectious smile, friendly disposition and love of life. We were happy we could follow and speak with her thru facebook.Our sympathy to her family, especially to Patsy and Brandon.
Larry & Mary Kopp
