Jennie Marie Royer

Jennie Marie Davis Royer died on Monday, March 18 at the age of 93 at Birmingham Green in Manassas, VA
Jennie Marie was born on September 9, 1919 in Doran, MN. She graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1936 and continued her education both at the State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND and the University of North Dakota where she graduated in 1942 with a bachelor of science degree in music education and a minor in physical education. She donated her time and talent in many ways while attending UND. She was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Social Sorority, the Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, president of the UND Madrigal Club and a member of the Dueling Piano Quartet for the renowned Flickertail Follies of UND.
Jennie Marie married Donald Royer at the Great Lakes Naval Chapel, Lake County, IL on November 26, 1942. While her husband was on active duty in the European Theatre, she was employed at the U.S. Naval Training Station Distribution Office. Upon his return, they moved to Norfolk, VA where Mr. Royer was employed by the U.S. Naval Air Station as an operations analyst. In 1952, they returned to the Breckenridge/Wahpeton area and raised their family. They owned the Royer Shoe Store where she assisted her husband until their retirement in April of 1972. She also found time to share her musical, philanthropical and leadership qualities throughout the community.
Jennie Marie Royer was a charter member of the Breckenridge Lutheran Church. She was an active member and served as junior choir director, senior choir director, church organist, teacher for both Sunday and vacation bible schools and enjoyed being a part of Breckenridge Lutheran Church Women. Later, she became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN. She also was an active member of the PEO Sisterhood serving in several capacities.
Jennie Marie had a superb command of both the piano and organ. Not only could she read music with ease, but also she could play by ear, with her unique jazz styling. She was asked to take part in many community events for her piano talent—most notable—the annual highlight event of the two cities, The Zonta International Spring Style Show.
She is survived by two daughters, Carol Marie Royer, Fairfax, VA and Ann Robert Davis Furst, Deephaven, MN, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her husband Donald Anthony Royer, her parents Esther Brathovde Davis and Charles W. Davis and her brother Charles W. Davis, Jr.