Marilyn Jeneice Huggins Commander McKinnon of Westville, FL went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 19, 2025, while surrounded by her loving family.
Jeneice was born October 19, 1934, in Holmes Co., FL to the late Henry Horace and Vera Pearl Mitchell Huggins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands; Carlton D. Commander and Hinton Cartledge McKinnon; one son, Jeff Newton Commander; one brother, Arthur Eugene Huggins and one sister, Hazel Earnestine Huggins Grantham Cobb.
She is survived by two sons, Jack Commander (Kerry) of Westville, FL and John David Commander (Kim) of Hartford, AL; one daughter, Betty Commander McGowan (Jimmy) of Gainesville, GA and one daughter-in-law, Terry Griffin Commander of Westville, FL; 9 grandchildren, Amy Commander Bowling (Josh), James McGowan (Crista), Julia McGowan Drewry (David), Joshua Jackson (Tiffany), Seth Commander (Amanda), Chelsea Harden (Jared), Sage Commander McCollum (Dakota), Delilah Bass Babb (Joshua) and Tyler Commander; 11 great-grandchildren and 2 more expected in 2026; one sister, Virginia Delois Huggins Carroll (Jerry); two stepdaughters, Gail McKinnon Allen (Lynn) and Peggy McKinnon Bracewell (Mark); one stepson, Forrest Wayne McKinnon and a host of nieces and nephews.
Her working career began at an early age at Van Heusen Shirt Factory, where she sewed on pockets and trained new employees. In the early 1970’s, she left the factory when her family opened Commander Meat Processing, a business serving families in the tri-state area. She quickly became sought out by customers due to her dedication to service and commitment to excellence. During this time, she was a prominent member of the Holmes County Homemakers Club.
In 1982, she began working at Clinton Mills. Her outstanding work ethic earned her a promotion to Supervisor of the Cloth Room. She retired from Clinton Mills in 2000, though she remained active, working on the family farm and in the chicken houses.
Jeneice was an excellent seamstress, creating clothing for her growing family and home items like curtains and tablecloths. She enjoyed cross-stitch, making beautiful wall hangings, cherished by her children and grandchildren. She showed love for her neighbors by cooking meals and pound cakes and delivering them to families suffering bereavement or need, as well as visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Her faith guided her throughout her 90 years and she lived her life as a testament to her love for the Lord. She was a faithful member of West Pittman Baptist Church for over 60 years.
A devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she poured her life into her family, creating a legacy of faith, strength, perseverance, and kindness. She was known for her incredible work ethic and passion for gardening—her flower beds were always immaculate, and her vegetable garden was second to none. Even in her late 80’s, it was not uncommon to drive by and see her on the lawnmower cutting grass, tending her garden or working in her flower beds.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at West Pittman Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Smith officiating. The church address is 1599 Bradley Road, Westville, FL. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends Monday night at the funeral home from 5 until 7 p.m. Mrs. McKinnon may be honored by flowers or memorial contributions to West Pittman Baptist Church Building Fund.
