Jennifer Lynn King of Chester
Jennifer Lynn (nee Hittmeier) King, 38, of Chester, Illinois, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family and closest friends on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at her residence. She fought an eight-year battle with cancer with poise and grace that was admired by every person who knew her.
She was born to Lawrence "Pete" and Patricia (nee Kingery) Hittmeier on Jan. 1, 1982 in Galesburg, Illinois.
After high school, Jennifer fell in love with a man in the military, Jason King. They were married at Our Lady of Victory Church in Perryville, Missouri on Feb. 7, 2004. They spent their lives traveling the United States.
Jennifer and Jason were blessed to have a daughter, Kayden Beth, and Jennifer spent her life with the one purpose of raising this girl to be of God, honor, strong morals and dignity.
Jennifer impacted the lives of families everywhere she went. Though Jennifer only had the one child, she had such a heart for children and made every child and adult feel as if they were the most important thing in the world while they were in her presence.
She worked as a competition gymnastics coach for 15 years at U.S. Gold Gymnastics and also provided private lessons. She had the honor and privilege of coaching our very own Chester Lady Jackets. Being a coach to Jennifer was not a job title, but a responsibility that she held close to her heart as it was an opportunity to work one-on-one in the lives of children and young adults.
Jason and Jennifer opened The Muddy River Coffee Shop in her hometown after Jason retired from the U.S. Coast Guard. Jennifer was passionate about having a safe gathering place for youth to come after school and enjoy time with each other in a protected environment; and a spot where families could come together in a cheerful environment to bond over a great cup of coffee.
Jennifer was a member of Grace Church Ministries and a creator of the NRG outreach program. She loved to cook and poured her heart into any dish she made.
She is survived by her husband, Jason King; their daughter, Kayden King; her mother, Patricia Hittmeier; four siblings, Robby Hittmeier, Gina (Eric) Bailey, Nikki Brant Lucas and Matthew Hittmeier; her in-laws, Darryl and Connie Pourney; and a sister-in-law, Amanda (Rocky) Barnett.
Jennifer was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Hittmeier; her father-in-law, Terry King and her childhood best friend, Laura Beth Dierks.
Jennifer made the choice to donate her body to medical science.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Jennifer would want to wait until we can all gather together in a safe environment and rejoice in honor of her and the amazing life she lived.
Memorial contributions can be made in Jennifer's memory at Buena Vista Bank for Jason and Kayden King.