Shirley Christian Dennis

Shirley Christian Dennis, 91, died July 17, 2020. Born April 21, 1929 in Norfolk, VA, she was the daughter of the late Carl Leon and Melissa Belvin Christian, Sr. She was a graduate of Granby HS, Norfolk VA. She married husband Joe in 1949 and began an adventure that took her around the world and back again. They moved to Atlanta where he attended Georgia Tech. After college she followed him to army bases around the US, and then home to VA as he served in the Korean War. Later they moved to the Philippines as part of the oil and gas industry. Shirley always cherished her years overseas. Traveling via freighter, plane, camel, passenger boat, and train provided hours of stories. A return to the US for a master’s degree took them to Cambridge MA. Career opportunities in New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Florida allowed the Dennis family to experience much of the country. After the death of her husband, she moved to Tennessee, Louisiana, and back again to Tennessee with her daughter and son-in-law. Most of Shirley’s career was as a real estate broker and officer of her husband’s business endeavors, but always said her best accomplishment was as a mother. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Nancy Dennis Campbell and husband Chris; granddaughter, Cassidy Campbell; sister-in-law Judy Christian; nieces Leigh Sams Willis, Anne Sams, Shirley Miller Garringer, Virginia Carroll Kindley, Kimberly Christian Garnes, Pamela Christian Fitterling, and Catherine Christian Hostman; nephews Art Miller, Billy Miller, David Miller, and Eddie Carroll; and many grand- and great-grand-nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Joseph E Dennis Jr; sisters Elizabeth Sams, Dorothy Miller, and Carroll Carroll; and brother Carl Christian, Jr. No services are planned at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held in Virginia for family and friends. Arrangements are by Hooper, Huddleston, and Horner. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hhhfunerals.com Shirley was known to love cats and all animals. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial in her name to A.A.R.F. – All About Rescue and Fixin’, Inc at aarf-tn.com/donate.