Dee Ann Hennessy, beloved mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025 at the age of 71. Her loss is deeply felt by all who were fortunate enough to know her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering dedication to others.

Born with an innate gift for nurturing and teaching, Dee Ann devoted over 36 years of her life to Special Education, primarily at Jennie Reid Elementary in La Porte ISD. Her students, colleagues, and community remember her as a compassionate advocate who believed wholeheartedly in the potential of every child. Her classroom was a place of patience, encouragement, and limitless kindness.

Dee Ann was a warm, thoughtful, and steadfast colleague. She formed lifelong friendships with fellow teachers, traveling with them, celebrating their joys, and supporting them through difficult times. Dee Ann’s friendship never wavered, even when time or distance separated them.

Of all her roles, perhaps none brought her more joy than being a mother. In many ways, Dee Ann and her two daughters weathered life’s storms together. She delighted in celebrating their milestones, their accomplishments, and the small moments of their everyday lives. There was no place she would rather be than with her girls and their families. In return, they loved their mom fiercely. She was their safe harbor, and she was their role model in motherhood and in life. They are blessed to follow her example of love, generosity, and quiet strength.

After the arrival of her beloved grandchildren, Dee Ann happily became known as “Dee Dee,” a nickname that quickly spread beyond the grandkids. Friends and family embraced the affectionate name, recognizing how perfectly it captured her loving nature. Dee Dee spent countless hours doting on and caring for her grandbabies. She developed unique and special relationships with each one and treasured them every day of their lives. She leaves with them a legacy of immense love.

The deepest lessons Dee Ann carried were those taught by her mother, Jo Ann. She was blessed to have her mother by her side through her entire life. The two shared a profound and steady faith—one that placed family at the heart of everything. Dee Ann also cherished her two sisters, and she found joy in every moment spent with them. Whether gathered around the table in her grandmother’s kitchen, or family holidays spent at the Goodwin farm in Brenham, she felt happiest in spaces filled with family.

Dee Ann is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Hennessy and her husband Allen Lopez, and Jessica Lewis and her husband Bryan Lewis; her cherished grandchildren, Hayden Lewis, Connor Lewis, Asher Lewis, Cecilia Lopez, and Evan Lopez; her loving mother, Jo Ann Tickner; and her dear sisters, Theresa Goodwin and her husband Glen Goodwin, and Amy Hunt and her husband Raymond Hunt; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her beloved father, Clarence “Sammy” Tickner, Jr. Her legacy also lives on in the countless lives she touched as a teacher and friend.

To honor Dee Ann’s lifelong devotion to children, individuals with special needs, and pet adoption, donations may be made in her memory to Special Olympics Area 22 Gulf Coast, The Rise School of Houston, or SAVE Rescue Coalition.

Dee Ann’s love, service, and gentle presence remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her. May her memory continue to inspire compassion, generosity, and joy in the world she leaves behind.