Jennie Johnson Allbee

Jennie Johnson Allbee, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all, passed on July 12, 2026,

Jennie was born September 19, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Harold and Betty Johnson. She attended Des Moines public schools, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1956. She then attended Drake University, where she was active in numerous campus activities and organizations. Her college honors included being named to Who's Who in American Colleges and induction into Mortar Board — a goal she had set for herself as a freshman. As a student leader, she also helped coordinate entertainment for the university, including booking national orchestras. She graduated from Drake in 1960 with a degree in education.

An epic love story began when on August 13, 1960, she married Robert George Allbee at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Des Moines, Iowa. Jennie began her teaching career in the Des Moines Public Schools. After several years, she joined the West Des Moines Community School District, where she would distinguish herself over 21 years as a caring, innovative teacher. During her final seven years, she taught sixth grade and served as Science Chairperson at Westridge Elementary School. Meanwhile, she returned to Drake University for graduate studies, earning a Master of Science in the Effective Teaching Program in 1994.

Jennie believed deeply in continuing her education along with teaching For example, she initiated staff development courses in the Johnson and Johnson cooperative learning model and trained student conflict managers, teaching conflict management classes to district staff. She also started a peer tutoring program at Westridge and organized the Invention Conventions program at two elementary schools. She supervised fifteen student teachers during her career, beginning in 1983, and was known for integrating writing, reflection, and journaling across every subject she taught.

Her passion for the environment shaped much of her later career as a significant contributor to West Des Moines' science curriculum, Jennie encouraged sixth graders to take on projects that conserved natural resources, from recycling to environmental calendars. She also arranged for students to spend a night at Springbrook State Park each year. As a result, Jennie was honored with the Environmental Educator of the Year Award from the Polk County Conservation Board and the Des Moines Metro Waste Authority.

Jennie's warmth and enthusiasm for teaching and for life were recognized again and again. In 1995, she was honored by the Connie Belin National Center for Gifted Education at the University of Iowa. In August 1997, she received the Susan Asklof Enthusiasm Award from the West Des Moines Community Schools, honoring her "zest for living" and the inspiration she brought to those around her. Thereafter, Drake University's School of Education presented her with its Outstanding Alumni Award. Upon her retirement in 1998, the science room at Westridge Elementary was dedicated in her honor — “The Jennie J. Allbee Science Room” — in recognition of her 21 years of outstanding service and her caring, creative teaching style that will be long remembered by students, parents, and staff alike. Of her career, Jennie once declared, "I absolutely love being a sixth grade teacher. There's never been a day when I awakened and not wanted to go to school."

Jennie's generosity extended well beyond the classroom. She was a member of the Junior League of Des Moines, an active member of the West Park Foundation, helping to plan the Nature Lodge at Raccoon River Park

Her religious beliefs influenced all of her actions as a person, parent, teacher, as well as her church membership. She served on the Board of Membership at Plymouth Church in Des Moines and at one time served as Director of Volunteers at the Des Moines Child Guidance Center as well as chairperson of the Planned Parenthood Book Sale. For many years, she was a volunteer with the Storybook Project at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville, Iowa, helping incarcerated mothers record readings of children's books to send home to their children.

Jennie is survived by her husband, Bob Allbee; her children, Susan Allbee of West Des Moines, Carolyn Hunerdosse (Don) of Norwalk, Tom Allbee (Jennifer) of Manhattan, New York, and Annie Krishnan (Anand) of Robbinsdale, Minnesota; her 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Jennie and Bob experienced a long and lasting love affair of over 60 years. They were attentive and proud of their children, all of whom are engaged in successful careers.

Jennie’s life was a life well-lived!

Jennie’s family wishes to express their gratitude for the loving care she has experienced at Scottish Rite Park and for the generous assistance of EveryStep Hospice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Plymouth Congregational Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines with visitation from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jennie’s memory to: Plymouth Congregational Church: https://www.plymouthchurch.com/; and or EveryStep Hopsice: https://everystep.org/.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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