Tena Sarris

Tena Sarris died peacefully at her Redmont home on August 21, 2024. Tena, the daughter of Lena Jebeles and Peter Michael Sarris, was born in Birmingham on May 28, 1943 and was a lifelong resident of the city of her birth.

A few years after attending West End High School she began a fifty six year career as a nurse’s aide at UAB Hospital where she received numerous awards for excellence in patient care. She was still working at UAB Hospital ninety days before her death.

Tena was beloved by her patients and colleagues at UAB Hospital, by Holly Tenison and her fellow knitting enthusiasts at KnitHappenz in Vestavia, her fellow congregants at Holy Trinity-Holly Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and her many nephews and nieces. Tena was a diehard Auburn fan and her wardrobe was often accented with Auburn orange and blue.

Tena is survived by her loving sister, Dorothy Sarris McDaniel, her nephews, Michael McDaniel (Samantha), Peyton McDaniel, and Peter McDaniel (Amy), her grand nephew, James Michael McDaniel (Sara), and his children, James Michael III and Autumn, her grand nieces, Kaitlyn and Sage McDaniel, and her first cousins, Tina Atkins, Helen Foxhall, Kenny Likis (Lori) and their families. Tena was predeceased by her parents and her twin sister, Dena Sarris..

Visitation will be on Monday, August 26, at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. After a graveside burial service at Elmwood Cemetery, a luncheon will be served in the church hall. Donations in Tena’s memory may be sent to Holy Trinity - Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, UAB Hospital, or the charity of your choice.

“ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. This who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’ “

John 11: 25-26

Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (205.879.3401) in Homewood.