Alene Aleta "Ginger" Dennis, age 95, of Johnson City, TN, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024 at her residence. She was born a daughter of the late Coy Harris and the Reverend Iva Turner Harris in Ardmore, Oklahoma. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Lauren Kay Scalf; one brother, William Harris; one sister, Emmy Lou Harris; and one son-in-law, David Fidler.
Ginger was a homemaker and a member of Tacoma Church of God. She supported a Native American Indian charity, St. Labre, in Oklahoma. She loved throwing parties that friends and family attended from all over the country and everyone knew when Ginger threw a party it was going to be something big. Her Luaus, which were annual events, were legendary! Pigs and goats were roasted in banana leaves and Hawaiian leighs were flown in for authenticity. The feasts she prepared were unparalleled and the parties would last for days. Ginger traveled to Europe and Asia and spent a lot of time at her townhouse in Hillsboro Mile, Florida, she loved the beach.
Ginger was a successful model when she was in her twenties. She had worked in real estate; she loved fishing and cooking, and excelled at both. Fishermen on Watauga and Douglas lakes were routinely dumbfounded when a finely coiffed and dressed, gorgeous woman arrived at the dock house with tubs and stringers full of fish after a day on the lake. Ginger was a very accomplished singer and recorded several projects. It was common for her to sing her way through the day. Her laughter was infectious and would ring throughout the house. She was also a very skilled decorator and created a home worthy of Architectural Digest. Bob and Ginger Dennis entertained senators, congressmen and a host of Johson City’s prominent businessmen through the years.
She is survived by one daughter, Robin Tanya Dennis-Fidler; one son, Louis Keene; three granddaughters, Rachel Keene, Lena Hill, Lauren Lee Hughes; and several great grandchildren. And Cassie Young, whom she treated as a granddaughter.
The Keene family will receive friends Friday, January 19, 2024 from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM at Monte Vista Funeral Home. The Dennis Family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until 1:30 PM Friday January 19, 2024 at Monte Vista Funeral Home. A Private Entombment will be held in the Chapel Mausoleum at Monte Vista Memorial Park.
The family would like to extend their thanks to her special caregivers, Betty McKenney, Connie Pinkston and Annie Fishbough for all the special care and love that was given.
Arrangements especially for Mrs. Alene Aleta "Ginger" Dennis and her family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
