On February 28, 2023, Jennifer Shawn Mast, of Colorado Springs, loving wife, mother, and grandmother passed away at the age of 59.
Jennifer received her B.S. in Business and Accounting in May 2017 from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. At the time of her death, Jennifer was completing her Master of Social Work degree at UCCS, with a 4.0 GPA.
Jennifer was born on June 14, 1963, in Los Angeles, CA to Alton Jackson Graham and Leola Perry Graham. On August 21, 1988, she married Steven David Mast. Together, they raised five sons.
Jennifer was a lifelong learner, using her knowledge and skills to make the world a better place. She was a graduate of Notre Dame Academy in West Los Angeles and attended the University of California, Irvine. She committed her life to public service and was a fierce champion for her community and a pillar of strength to those in need. She had the ability to connect with others in a deep and meaningful way in her roles as a teacher at Cecil Murray Education Center in Los Angeles, as the Youth & Family Services Director at the Garden Ranch YMCA and as the Social Services Director at Springs Village Care Center and Liberty Heights Senior Lifestyle Community in Colorado Springs.
Jennifer’s faith was an essential part of her life. At an early age she attended Baptist church with her parents and then Catholic church and Catholic school throughout her primary and secondary education. As a young mother, she brought her family to First AME Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher. Later, Jennifer and her family united with Payne Chapel AME Church in Colorado Springs. She devoted herself to shaping young lives for Christ and served as a Sunday School teacher and Young People’s Division leader for many years. Jennifer was a member of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Lay Organization. She was also an active member of the Colorado Springs NAACP, and served as the Education Committee Chair.
Services will be held at Payne Chapel AME Church, 3625 Marion Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909, on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 11 a.m. Please send flowers to the Mast Family at 6145 Rabbit Ears Court, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919.
The Wellness Center has arranged walk-in counseling hours for anyone who may need them. Please contact the Wellness Center at (719) 255-4444 for more information.