Emma Lee Ennis

EMMA LEE ALLEN ENNIS Emma Lee Allen Ennis, 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at the E.T. York Hospice Care Center. Born June 20, 1927 in Chase City, VA to Thomas A. and Gordon D. Allen, Emma was the youngest of two girls, sister Mary Lucy Weston preceded her in death. Upon graduating from South Hill High School, Emma attended and graduated in 1946 from Averett University in Danville, VA. While in college she met the love her life, Herbert F. Ennis. After 60 years of marriage, Herb passed away unexpectedly last year. The couple started their family in Richmond, VA before moving to Gainesville in 1957. Emma worked as an Executive Secretary for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, before retiring after almost 30 years of service. She was a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and belonged to the Micanopy Chapter No. 140; served as Worthy Matron of Gainesville Chapter No. 44 in 1966; founded the Rob Morris Chapter No. 310 and served as Worthy Matron in 1971 and 1972; Past Grand Representative to Vermont from FL of Grand Chapter OES of FL , She was a member of the Daughters of the Nile. She was also a member of the Gainesville Woman's Club and a volunteer Poll Worker for Alachua County. Emma was a member of several churches during her 55 years in Gainesville including North Central Baptist, Carol Estates Baptist, Highlands Presbyterian and Grace Presbyterian. Emma devoted her time to caring for family and entertaining friends. She was well known as a gracious hostess for annual parties. Emma was preceded in death by her loving husband, Herbert F. Ennis Sr. She is survived by daughter, Linda Hunt of Gainesville; son Herbert F. Ennis, Jr. (Darlene) , of Gainesville; Five grandchildren: Patricia Ennis Garzon (David), Herbert F. Ennis, III "Bubba" (Kristal); Jesseca Hunt Suggs (Devin); Melinda Hunt Chewning (Cyle); Matthew Hunt (Katheryn Beauregard); and three great-grandchildren: Joshua Garzon, Alexis Garzon and Wyatt Allen Ennis, all of Gainesville; nephew Tommy Dixon (Wanda) of Chase City, VA; niece Elaine Claiborne (Newton); great nephew and niece, Jeremy and Ashley Claiborne all of Newport News, VA; Cousins, Wilson (Sam) Abernethy and Dr. John (Amy) Abernethy all of Gainesville, FL. The family will receive friends on Friday, Dec. 7th from 6:00-8:00p.m. Emma's service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8th at 12 noon at the Funeral Home Chapel. She will be buried next to her Beloved Herbert, at Forest Meadows Memorial Park, Central immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Shriners Children's Hospital, or University of South Florida Suncoast Gerontology, c/o Bernice Woodard, PGM,OES; P.O. Box 237 Micanopy, FL 32667.

Emma Lee Ennis

December 3, 2012