Lennis Marie Drennan

Lennis Marie Drennan, 78, went home to be with the Lord on July 31, 2026, peacefully surrounded by her family, with those who loved her most beside her, holding her hand.

Born December 3, 1947, in Boone, North Carolina, Lennis was the daughter of the late Charles and Evelyn Ward (Parks). She was preceded in passing by her beloved brother, Ronnie Ward.

Lennis leaves behind her three children, Todd Drennan, Andre (Ed) Zak, and Tyler Drennan, who were, without question, her greatest joy. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Laney, Addy, and Ellie Zak; her former husband, Larry Drennan; her sister, Penny Heid; brother-in-law, Bob Heid; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

No words could ever fully express what Lennis meant to her family. She was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, prayer warrior, and a safe place for so many. She loved her family fiercely and completely; there was never any question about how deeply she cared for the people she loved. She told us frequently, but her actions spoke even louder.

Her children were her greatest accomplishment in life. She poured her heart into them and was immensely proud of the people they have become. Yes, she was our mother, but she was also our friend, our protector, our safe space, and our intercessor. She is the greatest gift her children have ever received. Her grandchildren brought another special kind of joy into her life. She treasured every moment with Laney, Addy, and Ellie. Her love of family reaches far beyond words alone.

Lennis was a beautician for many, many years, touching the lives of all those she encountered. It was her profession, but it was also her mission to share God’s love with all. She had a natural ability to make people feel welcome and cared for.

She had an absolute love of flowers, gardening, and cooking. She had the creativity and ability to create a masterpiece in our yard and within our home. She created a home that felt warm, welcoming, and full of love. Many of her family’s fondest memories will forever be connected to the food she prepared and the love she poured into every meal. She loved music, especially worship music, old gospel songs, and hymns that spoke to her heart. Lennis knew what it meant to purely worship her Savior.

And then there was her laugh. A laugh that would light up any room.

It was unmistakable, undeniable, so unique and identifiable that those who knew her will always be able to hear it in their memories. Lennis also had a wonderfully ornery sense of humor and a gift for making people laugh. She could tease, joke, and bring a little mischief into even the ordinary moments.

But above everything else, Lennis loved the Lord.

Her faith was not simply a part of her life—it was at the foundation of who she was. Her love for the Lord never wavered. She lived her life exemplifying her Christian values and her walk with the Lord. Her life reflected the Christian faith she held so deeply—through the way she expressed love, the way she forgave, and the way she made everyone know just how important they were.

Lennis was truly a prayer warrior. She was the person you wanted to pray for you, the person you wanted interceding on your behalf in your darkest moments, because you knew she would take your needs directly to the Lord. Her prayers were filled with faith, conviction, and love.

We are heartbroken that we have to say goodbye in this life. However, we are grateful that Lennis’s faith has now become sight. We find comfort knowing that she is no longer hurting and is now in the presence of the Lord she loved so deeply.

We will miss her in ways we cannot possibly put into words.

But we will carry her with us.

We will carry her in the flowers we plant, the recipes we make, the hymns we hear, the prayers we pray, and in every act of love and kindness that reminds us of her.

Her presence may no longer be beside us, but her love will remain woven into the lives of everyone she touched.

Lennis was our mother, our family, our prayer warrior, and one of the greatest blessings God ever gave us.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

A Special Thank You

The family would like to extend a heartfelt and special thank you to The Inn at Chapel Grove. Their dedication, commitment, compassion, and genuine love were a true blessing to Lennis and to her entire family. The care they provided and the kindness they showed will never be forgotten.

Services

Visitation: Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Funeral Service: Following visitation
Burial: Africa Cemetery

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Lennis’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice of Central Ohio, or The Inn at Chapel Grove.

Until we see you again, Mom.

We love you fiercely.
We love you completely.
And we always will.