D'Ann Dendy

In the early morning hours of December 9th, a beautiful soul stepped into Heaven. Born April 4, 1953, in Lubbock TX to Clarence “Red” Phillips and Ima Jean Phillips (Martin), D’Ann Phillips Dendy will always be remembered for her smile, her kindness, her piano playing, and her love of the Lord. Growing up a farmer’s daughter wasn’t easy; D’Ann often fondly recalled the many hours spent hoeing cotton with her parents, sisters and cousins…the work was hard, but the family bonding was irreplaceable. The ethic and determination of those early years paid off - after graduating from New Deal High School and Texas Tech University, she began a teaching career that would span 38 years, 3 states, multiple grades/subjects, and impact the lives of thousands of children.
She married the love of her life, Leslie Mac Dendy, on June 14, 1975, in New Deal, TX. Over the years they made their home in Bluewater, Timberon, Lovington, and Alamogordo, NM before heading north to Glendive, MT and finally settling in Eastland, TX. During that time, Shannon, Amanda, and Sean were blessed beyond measure to call her mom.
Outside of the classroom, D’Ann was active in church wherever she lived. Some of her most cherished memories were of choir practices, drama performances, and youth mission trips with First Baptist Church - Lovington, where many life-long friends were made. She also spent many summers at Sivells and Inlow Baptist Camps, teaching ceramics and leathercraft to Royal Ambassadors.
Ever a farmer’s daughter, D’Ann reveled in spending her retirement hours outside on the patio admiring the flowers. She counted it an immense honor to spend time with and care for her mother and finding special ways to spoil her grandchildren. Whether it was a trip to the park or a spontaneous visit to the quilt shop, she was always ready for adventure.
D’Ann leaves behind her husband Leslie, of the home; daughters Shannon Neparko (Yasha), and Amanda Walton (Monte Sr); son Sean Dendy (Nyssa); mother, Ima Jean Phillips; sisters Dena Lloyd (Jimmy) and Debra Scarbrough (David); brother-in-law Larry Martin; grandchildren Nadya and Katya Neparko, Ricky Harwell, Eleora, Monte Jr., and Elizabeth D’Ann Walton, and Abigail and Leon Dendy, step-grandson Cyric Fenn, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
D’Ann was greeted in Heaven by her father, Clarence “Red” Phillips, and grandparents G.K. and Velma Martin and Harvel and Jewel Phillips.