Elena Deanne Stennis, 56, of Dallas passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019 in Dallas after a short illness.  Elena was born on Thursday, August 29, 1963 in Dallas to parents, Gaylon Dean Garretson and Rita Ann (Smith) Garretson.  Since her dad was in the Navy, Elena had moved around but had come back to Garland where she graduated from South Garland High School in 1981.  Elena married Hampton James (Jim) Stennis in Dallas on March 21, 2003.

Elena had worked for Centex Security and in the Emergency Room admitting office at Doctor's Hospital.  She had also worked at Island Club and the Mesquite VFW as a Karaoke Jockey.  This allowed her to be around music which she had always been drawn to.  Anyone that knew Elena will remember her as a die hard, obnoxious Red Skins fan, a Tom Petty fanatic and a great lover of animals.  Elena worked with the Elks Club to raise money and get supplies for animal shelters and would lead fund raisers to ensure people were aware of the cruelty to animals.  She would take in and care for every stray that came around.

Surviving Elena is her husband, Jim Stennis of Dallas; brothers, Richard Garretson of Willow Park, Texas and Steven Garretson of Plano, Texas; aunts and uncles, Pam and Doug Means, Jay and Claire Smith, Arlon and Carolyn Garretson and Rita Garretson; 4 nieces and 2 nephews and many other cousins and extended family members.  She was preceded in death by her parents Gaylon Garretson and Rita Geter and a nephew, Jacob Garretson.

At the family's request in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Elena's name to your local animal shelter.

A celebration of Elena''s life will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at The Island Club, 10834 Ferguson Road, Dallas, Texas 75228 . It will begin at 6:00 P.M. and last until 8:00 P.M. but you are welcome to stay after 8:00 if you would like.  All friends and family are welcome to come and share memories and stories of Elena.