Ardenia Ann Conwell

Ardenia Ann Banks Conwell was born December 17, 1943 to Larkin Watson Banks, Sr. and Roberta Paulette Banks in Lynch, KY.  

Known as Dena, she joined Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church at an early age.  She served her church and the community in so many ways.  She played the piano for the Children's Choir.  Dena loved children and loved to dance...a dancing doll indeed!  

Her education began at Maynard Elementary and Beardsley Jr. High.  She graduated Austin High School in 1961.  Continuing her love of education, she enrolled in the Tuskegee Institute.  At her beloved alma mater, she was a member of the band and the "Angel Flight."  Upon graduation from Tuskegee in 1964, she married Joseph Donald Conwell.  

Dena began her work career as a Social Worker in Pittsburgh, PA. She would later move back to Knoxville and work at KCDC from 1973 to 1977.  Over the years, she worked at Delta Airlines and Kimberly Clark from where she retired in 2002.  
Those who await her in heaven are her parents and brother, Rudolph Wilcox.

Left to cherish her memory are children, Tamara (Mark) Henderson of Lewisville,NC and Joseph "Jo Jo" Conwell, II of Knoxville, TN; three grandchildren, Jaylen Conwell of Chicago, IL, Kaylah Henderson of Charlotte, NC and Kyrah Henderson of Lewisville, NC; three brothers, Larkin, Jr. (Sylvia), Kenneth (Teresa), both of Knoxville, TN and Wayne (Beth) Banks of High Point, NC; sister, Genise Ferguson of St. Louis, MO; sister-in-law, Connie Conwell; brother-in-law, Edgar Dean Conwell; God-son, Jeremy James; God-daughter, Cassie Woods; former husband and friend, Joseph D. Conwell and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to include her supportive friends, Darlene Allen, Shirley James and Kenneth (Pat) Bussell.
A special thank you to West Hills Health & Rehab, Atria Assistant Living Memory Care, Amedysis Hospice and Williams Adult Day Care Center in Winston Salem, NC.  

Saturday, May 18, 2019, the family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a Homegoing Celebration to follow at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church, 546 College Street, Knoxville, TN. Reverend Dr. John A. Butler officiating.  Interment will immediate follow at Berry Highland South, 9010 Simpson Road, Knoxville, TN, where a white dove release will conclude the service.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to Williams Adult Day Center, Winston Salem, NC or the local Alzheimer's Association.  Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com 
 

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