Dena Lenae Ginn

The family of Dena Lenae Ginn (Nolen) of Haughton, Louisiana, is deeply saddened to announce her sudden passing on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the age of 65, when she was called home to be with her Lord and Savior.

Dena was born August 8, 1960, in Alexandria, Louisiana. She attended Oak Hill School in Hineston, Louisiana, where she excelled in basketball and softball. She continued. her athletic career at Louisiana State University-Alexandria for two years before she transferred to Louisiana Tech University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Forestry and met the love of her life, Calvin, at the Lady of The Mist. After graduating, Dena and Calvin later married on July 28, 1984, on the banks of Cotile Lake in Boyce, Louisiana at her mom and dad’s house.

After they married, Dena and Calvin settled in the sweet town of Haughton. She worked in the private sector as a forester for 10 years before beginning her 28 years of service with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry where she retired as Regional Administrator in 2021.

Dena was a beautiful and amazing wife, as well as a wonderful mother to three sons who filled her life with abundant love and joy. They were truly the lights of her life. She had a competitive spirit and enjoyed watching and coaching them in baseball and other sports. She also enjoyed camping, fishing, vacationing, and spending time with them.

Dena was blessed with six beautiful grandchildren and became lovingly known as “Mamaw.” She spent her last few years enjoying backyard swinging and kickball, arts and crafts, slip and slides, cooking, and fishing with them. They made her glow with happiness.

Dena was an outstanding cook who could whip up an entire delicious meal in less than 30 minutes. She loved cooking Sunday meals for the whole family, where it always seemed to turn into a party. It quickly became her favorite time of the week.

She was sweet, kind, selfless, hardworking, easy to talk to, and had a sense of humor that could make anyone laugh. She was always busy planning and organizing things for her family. She never missed an event for her kids or grandchildren. She could always light up a room simply by walking into it, without ever saying a word. She will be deeply and incredibly missed, but her legacy will undoubtedly live on in her children, grandchildren, and the countless other hearts she touched in her 65 years.

Dena is preceded in death by her parents, Shedrick “Deloy” and Mary Louise (Eddlemon) Nolen, and her granddaughter Mary Elizabeth Ginn.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Calvin Ginn, sons Justin (Kathryn), Clayton (Emily), and Kevin (Taylor), grandchildren Sydney Kate, Brooklynn, Everleigh, Easton, and Eli, brother Jerry (Kathleen), sister Karla Walden (Marty), and her nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A celebration of life will begin 10:00 am on Saturday, August 1, 2026 in the chapel of Hill Crest. Burial will follow in the park.

In honor of Dena, serving as Pallbearers will be Justin Ginn, Clayton Ginn, Kevin Ginn, John Walden, Matthew Walden, Jacob Walden, Jeffrey Nolen, and Jacob Navarro.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials or donations be made to Haughton High School Baseball and/or First Baptist Church of Haughton Children’s Ministry.