Devoted wife, mother, and grandmother Jenella Stacey, 83, died Wednesday, Sept. 30 in her Deleon Springs, Florida home. Jenella was born Jan. 20, 1932, on a farm in Dallas County to James and Minnie Dunning. She was one of seven children and the only daughter.
After graduating from Orrville High School, she worked for a short time in the USAF Judge Advocate General Headquarters in the Pentagon. In pursuit of higher education, Jenella attended several institutions including Auburn University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration. She later obtained her master’s in sociology from Georgia Southern University.
Jenella had a diverse career, working as a legal secretary, high school and college professor, bookkeeper and realtor. She was also employed as a medical social worker for the American Red Cross at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama where she met her husband, Foye Stacey, who was an Air Force Officer in medical administration. Jenella and Foye married in 1961 and moved to Deland, Florida in 1979.
Jenella has always been an active member in her church and community. At Trinity United Methodist Church, she was a trustee, Sunday school teacher, member of the staff/parish committee, communion steward and member of the United Methodist Women.
Through her many life experiences, she always said her greatest joy was in being a wife, mother and grandmother.
Jenella believed in living life fully and abundantly, and was dearly loved and adored by her family and her community. Her generosity, kindness, smile and southern charm will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her son, David and his wife Ellen; daughter, Susan and her husband Charles; grandchildren, Blake, Zack and Paige, and many friends.
Viewing will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Lankford Funeral Home in Deland and graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8 at Oakdale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Trinity United Methodist Church in Deland.