Lena Mae Dennis, age 89, of Clanton, passed away at Hatley Health Care on Feb. 22, 2011.

She was born Sept. 22, 1921, daughter of the late Lewis Henry Driver and Virginia Culp Driver.

She was a lunchroom worker at Clanton Elementary School for 33 years and worked in the deli at Winn Dixie for five years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ocie Lee Dennis; her sisters, Minnie Pearl Sansom and Clarice Irene Bryant; and brother, Lewis Andrew Driver.

She is survived by her daughters, Betty Sewell of Warner Robins, Ga. and Amelia (Gary) Headley of Clanton; grandchildren, Mike (Pat) Sewell of Byron, Ga., Steve (Eileen) Sewell of Grandbury, Texas, Suzanne (Ed) Perkins of Warner Robins, Ga., Heather (Davy) Wright of Plantersville and Jeremiah “Red” Headley of Clanton; great grandchildren, Stephanie (Ruben) Ruiz of Fort Worth, Texas,  Amanda (Jesse) Snow of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Tiffany Sewell of Granbury, Texas, and Abby and Noah Wright of Plantersville.  She has five great-great grandchildren and one brother-in-law, Willie Clyde Sansom.  She also has a host of nephews and nieces who thought of her as their second mother.

She was a hard worker and was known as caretaker for her family in times of need. Anyone could tell that Jesus was in her heart from a short conversation with her.  She would tell us, “I love everybody,” and proved that each day of her life.  Her radiant smile and jolly laugh brought joy to all.  Her family included more than just those kin to her, as so many who knew her called her “Maw Maw Dennis.”

She grew up in the Cooper community of Chilton County and was baptized in a creek near Chestnut Creek Baptist Church, where she attended as a child.

She also worshipped at Samaria Baptist Church, Zion Ridge Church of God, and Glad Tidings Church of God with family for many years.

Her strengths as a prayer warrior, mother and grandmother will be truly missed, but she has excitedly gone to be with the Lord.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, Feb. 24 from 5-8 p.m., and services will be held Friday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m., both at Zion Ridge Church of God, with burial following at Samaria Baptist Church Cemetery. Harlan Harris and Ollie Clyde Jones officiating.
Martin Funeral Home directing.

You may leave online condolences on the guest registry for the family at martinfuneralhomeinc.com.