With grateful hearts for a life beautifully lived, the family of Jennifer Lynn Alger announces her homegoing to be with her Lord on March 14, 2026, after a battle with cancer. Born January 14, 1950, in Bloomington, Indiana, to the late Richard and Virginia (Kingsbury) Marks, Jennifer spent her life pouring kindness, creativity, and steadfast faith into everyone she met.

A devoted member of Restoration Church, Jennifer lived her faith with genuine joy and generous service. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana University, and her love for children and Christian education led her to establish Tabernacle Christian Academy in Sarasota, Florida, an endeavor she nurtured for many years and one that touched countless young lives.

Jennifer and her husband David made Franklin, North Carolina, their home in 1990, where she continued to bless her community in her own uniquely delightful ways. Jennifer spent her life turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. While others saw a blank canvas or a pile of scrap materials, she saw a masterpiece waiting to happen. She was a gifted painter, known among friends and family for her vibrant landscapes and watercolor animal portraits that captured God’s creation exactly as she saw it. Her home was her greatest studio. Whether she was teaching her grandchildren how to paint between the lines (or intentionally outside of them) or doing crafts with her little ones in Sunday school class, she believed that life was best lived with a bit of paint under your fingernails.

Jennifer’s creativity extended beyond the art studio. Known for her baking, she owned and operated “Mountain Munchies”, where her cookies became a local treasure in shops around town. For more than 40 years she was a dedicated dog breeder specializing in golden retrievers and goldendoodles. Her beloved chocolate poodle, Hershey, served as her loyal service dog and a familiar friend to many, especially the foster children who delighted in their visits. She relished in the “thrill of the thrifting hunt”, frequenting thrift & antique stores and garage sales, looking for awesome finds to flip in her renowned antique booths.

Jennifer is preceded in death by her parents, brother Richard Marks, and son Aaron Alger. She is survived by her loving husband David of 48 years, with whom she shared a marriage rooted in devotion and friendship since November 17, 1977. She is also survived by two sons, Jonathan Alger (Lindsay) of Fishers, IN, and Micah Alger (Naomi) of Charlotte, NC; her brother, Ted Greenawalt (Donna); and five grandchildren who brought her immense joy: Lizzy Alger, Jonathan JJ” Alger, Jr., Lee James “LJ” Alger, Liam Alger, and Lydia Alger.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Franklin Covenant Church, Wednesday, April 1st, at 2pm, with Pastor Luke Bateman officiating, as family and friends gather to remember a woman whose warmth, faith, and gentle spirit made the world brighter. The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Men’s Challenge of the Smokies, 336 Living Hope Way, Franklin, NC 28734 or at https://mtcots.com/donate.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.