Jennie Seminole Parker was born on April 11, 1941 to Flora Redrobe (Sacred Corn Tassel Woman) and Miles Nelson Seminole (Big Spider) in Lame Deer, Montana. Her Cheyenne names were Otseemehe’e “Brave Woman” and One’ne “ Ree Woman” and her Lakota name was Ohitika Win “Brave Woman”. Jennie was a “change of life baby” as she would say, being the youngest of six children born to a family of Chiefs. Chief Two Moons was her great-grandfather and her mother held Whip in the Womans Warbonnet Society.
Jennie married Shirley Parker on February 19, 1959. Together they had four children and she welcomed numerous children into her home throughout the years and raised them as her own.
During her younger years, while her and Shirley raised their children and ran The Poor Farm ranch, she tirelessly pursued a greater education. She received both her Associates and Bachelor’s degrees as well as multiple certificates. In 1992 she was named Teacher of the Year by the Montana Indian Education Board. Grandma stressed to all of us the importance of obtaining as much knowledge as possible, living a good life and staying connected to our culture.
Jennie was a Sundance woman who always stood strong in her traditional beliefs. She openly shared her knowledge, wisdom, stories, the Cheyenne Language and lifeways; especially instilling them into her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her first language was Cheyenne and English was her second. Jennie was the last living direct descendent of her father who survived the Fort Robinson Outbreak that happened in Nebraska on January 9, 1879. Due to carrying the legacy of warfare and historical trauma, she devoted her life to sharing her wisdom and knowledge with younger Cheyenne people. Every year she ran the final steps on the Fort Robinson Run. She would say “I like to see the runners understand where they’re from, and what they have”. She shared a special bond with the Board and all of the Yellow Bird family and was considered grandma Jennie to all.
Jennie was an integral part of the Little Bighorn Ride every year. Since the beginning, she was involved in the planning and organizing. She and her family would make sure the riders were well taken care of; providing meals and opening their homes to our relatives from South Dakota. She stressed the importance of commemorating the Battle and honoring our ancestors. With that, she was adopted by many families including the Lone Hills, Jumping Eagles, Yellow Bulls, Brewers, White Hawks and Goings family.
Jennie served on many boards such as the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council, NC Board of Health, Northern Cheyenne Culture Commission, Boys and Girls Club Board of directors, Housing Authority Board of Directors and more recently she was elected to be the President of the Chief Dull Knife Board of Directors and was instrumental in all programming at the Yellow Bird Lifeways Center.
Jennie was selected as a legacy leader in 2020 by the Spirit Aligned Leadership program for her deep ancestral knowledge. Her knowledge of the Cheyenne way of life was invaluable. She was a strong Cheyenne woman who carried a deep love for the people, especially the youth.
Jennie played a huge role in our community. Not only was she a teacher, she was a mentor to many, everybody’s grandma, a story-teller, a historian, and is a great loss to the Northern Cheyenne Nation. We will continue to honor her legacy by sharing and cherishing everything she taught us. We love you grandma.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Monday September 16, 2024
St. Labre Mission Church
Ashland, Montana 59003
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday September 17, 2024
St. Labre Mission Church
Ashland, Montana 59003
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday September 17, 2024
St. Labre Cemetery
Ashland, Montana 59003
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Monday September 16, 2024
St. Labre Mission Church
Ashland, Montana 59003
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday September 17, 2024
St. Labre Mission Church
Ashland, Montana 59003
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday September 17, 2024
St. Labre Cemetery
Ashland, Montana 59003
Share
Kim Spang says
Condolences to Jennies family. Jennie was a Grandma to everyone. You will be missed. Prayers and Hugs
Danna Runsabove says
Thank you, Aunt Jennie, for being a special aunt to Bill and I. And Thank you for being that special Grandma to my Winona And Walter. We always looked to you for your guidance in Cheyenne ways. You helped us so many times, making sure we followed the Cheyenne ways. We certainly missed you at 4th of July. We looked forward to seeing you. You are going to be missed so much by everyone. Prayers and Condolences to your family, Aunt Jennie. We love you very much. The family of Bill Runsabove.
Gina Badhorse says
My heart is broken for her family and the tribe. A true legend has passed. Journey well.
Jay & Carla Johnson says
So sorry to hear about Jennie! She was a true spirit in the ways of tradition of her raising. She always had kind words when we seen each other and always wished us well. May she rest in peace!
Bert and Helen Woods says
A truly awesome Lady who indeed is a true legend. She was someone that we expected to always be here. Prayers for her family.
Lynda J Locher says
So sorry to hear that Jennie has passed on. She will be missed. We both attended Eastern Montana Cillege (Now MSU Billings) We both worked at Dull Knife College when they offered vocational programs (Indian Action Program. Jennie was a counselor there. I had alot of respect for Jennie she willing shared her knowledge of the Cheyenne ways. Journey well my friend.
Shayla Hagen says
So sorry to hear of Jennie’s passing. Jennie was a very kind and gentle spirited person, always had a smile and positive thoughts to share, and will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers to all her family. Shayla Hagen
Roxie Wilson and family says
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of this beautiful human being who had grace and beauty. Jennie was a direct descendant of Chief Dull Knife and we asked her to name our grandson Hendrix after my grandfather Jim One Bear and she was kind enough to do this and give us a visual and audio of how his name was pronounced. We greatly appreciated this and still have her words on our cell phones. It was always great to see her at basketball games and at the District Tournament every season, she would always stop and ask how my family was doing. I remember one summer Cal and I traveled to Disneyland in California and who do you think we saw on main street? Jennie and her granddaughter! We stopped and visited for a little bit and they went on their way and we went ours. Thank you Jennie for being a leader for our family and for gracing us with your amazing smile and sweetness.
Judy Harris says
Deepest condolences to Flora and family. Growing up, I have happy memories of time spent out at Shirley and Jennie’s. Much love and Rest in Peace, Jennie.
Patricia Houseman says
So sorry for your loss of Jennie. She was a great lady. You are all in my prayers
roger and amanda dillard says
Condolences to Flora and family and may Jennie rest in peace. Prayers for all.
Cindy Stanton says
My sincerest condolences on this great loss. To Flora, family and the entire NC nation. Jennie was known far and wide for her wisdom, strength and gentle ways. My thoughts are with you as you go into the future.
Isaac Kickingbear says
Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Otseemehe’e “Brave Woman” / One’ne “ Ree Woman” and Ohitika Win “Brave Woman”.