Dorothy Fay Kenna

Our beloved mother, Dorothy Fay Averett Kenna, passed away on February 18, 2023, at the age of 89. She was a wonderful mom who loved unconditionally and spread her love of Jesus whenever she could. Her steadfast faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and dedication to her family and friends were remarkable examples of living one’s beliefs in both word and deed.

Dorothy Fay was born February 22, 1933, in Level Plains, Alabama – the fifth of six children born to Nora Bell Byrd and Lewie Ray Averett. Her early years were spent helping on her family’s farm, caring for the chickens, and picking crops. After completing high school, she attended Campbell’s Business College and completed a Criminal Investigation course, then began working at the local police department, where she met her husband Roswell Kenna, Jr. She moved to Tampa, FL with Ros and raised five boys (where her experience caring for livestock on the farm came in handy!), before moving to Sun City Center, FL in retirement.

Most of her working career was spent at GTE in Tampa, FL, retiring with 25 years of service in 1987. She continued her education gaining an Associate of Arts degree and Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In 1994 she fulfilled a long-held dream and opened the Lamb & Lion Bookstore in Sun City Center, FL. Fay also joined multiple mission trips overseas taking Bibles to those without the Word of God in their life. Her passion was Jesus Christ, the preached Word, anointed music and spreading the Gospel.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband Roswell E. Kenna, Jr. and her first born son Edward Ray Kenna. She is survived by her five sons, James Kenna (Chong) from San Antonio, TX, John Kenna from Houston, TX, Donald Kenna (Cecelia) from Lebanon, IN, Wayne Kenna (Valerie) from Suwanee, GA, and Scott Kenna (Lisa) from Brandon, FL. In addition, she is survived by 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, her younger sister Reba Nelsen of Titusville, FL, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Oh, how she loved her family!

The family wishes to acknowledge the supportive and caring individuals from Home Instead who helped her for many years though her declining health, as both friends and caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Gideons International or Sun City Center Emergency Squad would be appreciated.

Dorothy Fay Kenna Celebration of Life on February 25, 2023 - Visitation begins at 5:00 PM, Service at 6:00 PM at Destiny Church Ruskin - 2322 11th Ave S.E., Ruskin, FL 33570

Graveside Service on Sunday, February 26, 2023, 3:00 PM at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park - 4202 E. Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gardenofmemoriestampa.com for the Kenna family.