Deanise Henninger

1954 - 2018

Deanise Henninger

Abilene, TX

Deanise Henninger met the end of life's journey on Sunday, October 28, 2018. Deanise was born to Marvin "Dean" and Juanita "Sue" Henninger on August 26, 1954 in Abilene, Texas. Deanise was named after her father who, after a second baby girl, was coming to terms with the fact that a baby boy may not have been in the cards for him. They would always share a special bond.

Like her namesake, Deanise was a natural born athlete. During her high school years, Deanise exceled at singles and doubles tennis. She traveled the state to play in Highway 80 tennis tournaments, and won two doubles state championships. More than state championships, Deanise would make lifelong friendships on the tennis court.

After High School, Deanise sought to create a life for herself outside of the town where she had been born and raised. Life would eventually lead her back home to Abilene in 1990. Deanise spent the happiest years of her life living near her family on the Circle R Ranch. With no children of her own, Deanise found great joy in watching her nieces, Megan and Amanda, grow up. Adventures with "Neesie" would become some of Megan and Amanda's fondest childhood memories.

Later in life, Deanise went to work alongside her father in the family construction business. She also became a beloved fixture at Ambler Bingo where she was a manager. Though she preferred the company of her family and four-legged companions above anyone else, Deanise knew no stranger. She will be remembered for her warm hugs, bright smile, and hearty laugh. Deanise had a wicked sense of humor, and was the queen of practical jokes. She was fearless; never afraid to try anything at least once. Deanise was a cherished daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.

Over the years, Deanise's jovial, fun-loving spirit began to be overshadowed by her battle with sobriety. The family finds great comfort in knowing that Deanise's heart and soul have finally found recovery. "Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:36)

Deanise was preceded in death by her mother, Juanita Sue Henninger. She is survived by her father Marvin Dean Henninger of Abilene, her sister Roseann Brown and her Husband Danny Brown of Abilene, her sister Cynthia Nesmith of Abilene, her niece Megan Rose Allred and her husband Jake Allred of Abilene, her niece Amanda Guthrie and her husband Boyd Guthrie of Austin.

The family would like to invite family and friends to join them at a reception to celebrate the life of Deanise on Saturday, November 3, 2018, from 9-11 a.m. in the First Baptist Church Dining Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made in memory of Deanise to Hendrick Hospice or Abilene ASPCA.