JoAnn H Dennis

JoAnn H Dennis, age 76, passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Born July 6, 1945 in Sylaucauga, AL, JoAnn "Red" Dennis grew up in Lowndes County on a farm. She did not shy away from any type of work, whether processing a dump truck load of chickens, or corn that her father would bring home. This blue-collar work ethic shaped her character in business. With an associate’s degree in business, she began working for First Alabama Bank in the early 70’s. She retired from Regions Bank in 2000 with 30 years of service in Teller/special teller training, and branch management. She enjoyed the banking business and went out of her way to help customers every day. The name ‘Red’ was coined by one of her managers commenting on her never-changing red hair color. Her red hair was a distinctive characteristic that she felt passionately about. Although, she did not display the typical agitation of a partly Irish heritage and red hair, instead she was very patient with everyone, especially customers.

After retirement, she continued to hone her pond fishing skills, and her quest to remember every Little House on the Prairie episode in detail. She took the opportunity to make friends with every person that she encountered, especially the business family of Phil Dennis Heating and AC. She was an important factor in keeping that business going after her husband’s death in 2005. She lived a quiet existence at ‘her house’ not wanting to leave Lowndes County for much, except an occasional trip to Bilouxi.

Her happiest time (I believe) was playing the piano in church. She played the piano by ear (no music notes needed) and could easily pick up any song with any group. She began playing piano at Rigby Street Baptist Church in late 60’s, and at other churches through the years. Often hearing the song played once, she could harmonize and play the piano beautifully in tune with the group. Possibly her greatest attribute was the ability to hear and harmonize in life. She touched many with a smile, and sometimes a smirk if you didn’t do the ‘task’ exactly as she had described.

A visitation is set for Sunday, July 25, 2021 at 1:00 - 2:00 pm at Leak Memory Chapel with a celebration of life chapel service beginning at 2:00 pm. Rev. Warren Culver will be officiating. A graveside is scheduled for Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 2:00 pm in Montgomery Memorial Cemetery, 3001 Simmons Rd., Montgomery, AL.

Online condolences for the Dennis family may be shared at: www.Leak-MC.com.