Jennievee (Jennie) O. Maynard, 93 of Aledo, Illinois, passed away Friday, August 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at MercyOne Genesis Medical Center in Aledo. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 25, at Nichols Bewley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Aledo. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 26, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Aledo Cemetery. Memorials may be left to the Aledo United Methodist Church or Churches of Mercer County Food Pantry. Please share your memories, love and support with Jennie’s family on her Memorial Tribute site at www.NicholsBewley.com.
Jennie was born July 17, 1933, the daughter of Byron “Barney” Winfield and Beulah Irene Hollis Blackman. She was a 1951 graduate of Seaton High School and attended Western Illinois University. Jennie married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Maynard, of Aledo, on August 23, 1952, in El Montecito, California.
After returning from California, Jennie worked along side her husband Dick who was Mercer County Sheriff from 1958 to 1962. Ford & Maynard Insurance and Real Estate was formed in 1963, where Jennie played a pivotal role. After retiring from the Agency, she and her husband worked side by side, contributing to the growth of Aledo, including such businesses as the Aledo Opera House, The Slammer/Great Escape, the Aledo Hardware, and the Aledo Depot.
Jennie was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She spent countless hours serving others in a variety of roles; she wore many hats personally and professionally. When she had free time, it was spent shopping. Jennie had a knack for finding a bargain.
Those left to honor and cherish her memory include her loving children, Rich (Mary) Maynard of Aledo, Ron (Patty) Maynard of Chandler, Arizona, and Roger (Jackie) Maynard and Robert (Becky) Maynard and her daughter, Jane (Bill) Stropes, all of Aledo. She also leaves behind a sister, Louise Meminger-Engwall of Aledo; 18 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.
Those greeting her in Heaven are her parents; her husband, Dick; two great grandchildren, Erika Kate Maynard and Elijah Michael Maynard; three brothers; and three sisters.