Marie Deason Fenn was born on April 14, 1929, one of eight children to James Alfred “Al” Deason and Myrtie Earnestine McElroy “Mama” Deason. Her father, who owned a successful lumber yard, died when Marie was young, leaving her mother to raise the family alone. Growing up in Billingsley, Alabama, Marie was athletic, lettering in basketball at Billingsley High School. She always cherished her family, especially her relationship with her sisters, with whom she remained close throughout her life.
Marie graduated from Auburn University where she studied social work. They say she really majored in “the BSU” where she spent most of her time visiting and playing ping pong. That is where she met a handsome young man who had been a medic in WWII. She and Hollis C. “Huck” Fenn were married in 1950 and lived in several towns around the South before settling with their four children in Florence around 1965. Huck taught at UNA while Marie worked and retired as a social worker. She was active in her church and community, taking Meals on Wheels to the elderly. She loved to sing, and sang in the Woodward Avenue church choir. She and Huck enjoyed the older group at First Christian Church in Florence and their Sunday School class. Marie stayed active throughout her life, participating in the senior aerobics class three times a week at the YMCA for many years.
Marie and Huck enjoyed nature and gardening. They traveled to many state and national parks, went on long walks, and swam in the summer, and enjoyed fishing! They enjoyed seeing God’s handiwork in nature, and the bounty of Huck’s huge vegetable garden each summer. She loved flowers and always wanted to “walk around the yard” to review their beauty whenever family would visit.
Marie was a loving mother and a devoted wife to Huck for almost 50 years. She helped him in many ways because he was handicapped. She would do just about anything for her children, and loved her grandchildren just as much. Marie was a sweet, gentle and loving southern lady who touched those around her. She will be greatly missed.
Marie was preceded in death her parents; by sisters Ozelle Surles, Opal Donahoo, Carolyn Pierce and Cherry Pierce; and by brothers Woodrow Deason, Harold Deason and Joe Deason. She is survived by daughters Jane Fenn (Doug Eaton), Nancy Fenn and Opal Sturgis (Eddie); by son Jim Fenn; by grandchildren Eric Eaton, Amity Eaton, Matthew Sturgis, Katie Sturgis, Amanda Sturgis, Jenny Heltsey; by greatgranddaughter Lilly Dunham (Jenny) and by many nieces and nephews.
The family expresses a very special note of appreciation to Ms. Bea Ulmer for her loving care for Marie over the last few years.
A memorial service for Marie will be held at First Christian Church, Florence, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10th preceded by visitation from noon to 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society.
