Born on December 12, 1940, in Itawamba County, Mississippi, Ena’s life was rooted in steady devotion, quiet strength, and a deep respect for home and family.
Ena graduated from Tremont High School, carrying forward the values of hard work and perseverance that would shape the years ahead. She later dedicated more than two decades to Civil Service, retiring after 20 plus years of faithful employment—an enduring reflection of her reliability and commitment.
For 55 years, Ena shared marriage with James Rufus Gann aka her “Ole Man,” building a life marked by constancy, partnership, and the everyday care that turns a house into a home. She took pride in being a homemaker and in the simple, meaningful rhythms of family life—time spent together, meals shared, and the comfort of familiar traditions.
Ena found genuine enjoyment in farming and gardening, tending to what she could grow with patience and attention. She also delighted in watching women’s basketball, and she had a fondness for collecting bottles. A devoted admirer of John Wayne, she appreciated what was familiar and enduring. She always referred to her grandkids as “pretty boys” or “pretty girls,” a small phrase that carried her unmistakable love.
Ena is survived by her daughter, Debora David (Danny); her son, Rodney Gann (Bridget); her grandsons, Jonathan David (Alice), Howard Gann (Allison), and Jacob Gann (Megan); her great-grandchildren, Mason David, Aubrey Rose Gann, Brantlee Belle Gann, Brody Gann, and Waylon James Gann; her sisters, Edna Hadaway, Barbara Mayhall, and Rhonda Wiygul; her brother, Keith Kent; and Gunner, her dog.
Ena was preceded in death by her loving husband James Rufus Gann; parents, Elmo and Luoma Kent; her brothers, James "Mutt" Kent, Gerald Kent, and Jimmy Kent; and her sister, Virginia Jean Falls.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in the name of Ena Gann to St. Judes Childrens Hospital.
