Jennie L. (Mayhew) Longnecker

Jennie L. Longnecker (Mayhew), passed away peacefully in Williamsburg, Virginia, on February 18, 2026, leaving a legacy of love, creativity, and joy. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Chalmer and Anna (Cerrow) Mayhew; four sisters, Jean, Betty, Charlotte, and Gladys; two brothers, Roy and Darrel; and her cherished husband of 72 years, Paul M. Longnecker.

Born and raised in rural Kansas (Plainville) during the Great Depression, Jennie was the only student in her class in a one-room schoolhouse, where she studied until high school. Growing up on a farm filled with horses, cattle, and cherished family pets instilled in her a deep appreciation for life and community. After graduating from high school, she rekindled a special friendship with her future husband, Paul, while attending Fort Hays State University, which led to a wedding and a honeymoon in California, setting the stage for a beautiful family life together.

Jennie was a gifted artist whose talents spanned the worlds of fine arts and performing arts. She delighted in teaching, painting, and creating a stunning collection of porcelain and oil paintings. As a vocalist, she illuminated every room she entered, sharing her love for music by playing the piano, singing, and even leading church choirs. Her natural curiosity inspired her to teach herself the harmonica, trombone (in HS marching band), guitar, and autoharp, making music a constant source of joy throughout her life.

A true believer in the power of charity, Jennie dedicated decades to volunteering in support of music, education, and various social organizations. She took pride in her leadership of the Sunny Hills Guild (overseeing five guilds and up to 450 volunteers) for youth-at-risk in Marin Co., Calif. She also headed up the Sunny Hills Grape Festival in Corte Madera, Calif., for many years. She enjoyed volunteering for the Symphony League in Sonoma County, Calif., and hosting fundraising dinners at her home. Paul was at her side, working at county fairs throughout the state. Her contributions extended to the international stage, where she performed with the Winifred Baker Chorale and the San Francisco Chorus, including at Carnegie Hall, Grace Cathedral, England, and Scotland, and at commemorative events in Normandy and Mont Saint Michel in June of 1994 for the fiftieth anniversary of D-Day.

Traveling the country and exploring the world brought her immense joy, but it was her friends and family that she cherished most. Jennie's famous cherry pies and Swiss cheesecake were known to bring smiles to all. She had a way of making people laugh and feel better about themselves, and this endeared her to everyone throughout her life. Her recipes, music, and art will forever remind us of her warmth, playfulness, and generosity.

Jennie leaves behind a harmonious legacy. She is survived by her daughter, Jo Longnecker (Bob Strieter) of Williamsburg; son Steve Longnecker of Salt Lake City, Utah; granddaughter El Longnecker-Jeffries (Will Jeffries) of Burlington, VT; grandson, Austin Longnecker (Michelle) of Detroit; three great-grandchildren, Zack, Kate, and Wells, and her remaining sibling, Mr. Delmar Mayhew of Damascus, MD.

As we gather to celebrate Jennie's wonderful life, we remember her as a beautiful beacon of creativity and kindness, now painting rainbows and singing with the angels.