Paula Ennis

Paula (Forneris) Ennis, a shining star left this world, listening to "Jesus Hold MY Hand" on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the tender age of 80, surrounded by her loved ones in her home. Born on May 2, 1944, in the iconic rock building behind the post office in Coalgate to Frank & Beatrice (Cornelius) Forneris. Paula was a beacon of strength, sister to three brothers: Frank, John Ray & Benny-so she had to learn to be tough. She was a 1962 graduate of Coalgate High School. Her marriage to Daymond Dale Ennis on October 21, 1962, was a remarkable 62-year journey, blessed with three children, Kevin, Ronnie & Kimberly.

Paula's life was a shining example of devotion, working at the Coal County election board for 20 plus years. She worked at Blue Bell/Wrangler for 12 years, from 1962 to 1974. The arrival of Kimberly in 1974 ignited a new passion for being a stay-at-home wife, mother & caregiver to her husband & children. In the late 70's Dale & Paula took a bold step into the rental market with their first rent house, which flourished into an impressive business of over 100 properties.

She always found the time to attend Kevin, Ronnie & Kimberly's sporting events, from football, baseball, boxing matches & the Special Olympics. She was often found following Dale to the occasional coin show & auction, with a slight snarl on her face.

Paula embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love & the strength of spirit. She truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures, chatting with friends & family, planting flowers, online shopping, sewing, snacking & spending time with her family, especially the grands. The grandchildren & great grandchildren were her entire world.

Paula was a fierce protector of the ones she loved. She was the best daughter, sister, friend, wife, mom, grandma & the backbone to the family business. She was classy, beautiful & incredibly caring. Her love for others was evident in the selfless & generosity of caring for those in need.

Survivors include her husband, Dale of the home; children, Ronnie Dell Ennis and wife, Rachel of Coalgate, Kimberly Daylene Ennis of Coalgate; grandchildren, Tyler Ennis and wife, Heather of Coalgate, Sondi Ennis and fiancé, Bradley Stowe of Coalgate, and Ronica Ennis of Coalgate; great grandchildren, Jensy Ennis, Tyley Ennis, Charli Ennis, Radley Stowe, and Wrenley Stowe; brothers, Frank Lee Forneris of Coalgate, John Ray Forneris of Prague, and Benny Forneris of Orange Grove, TX; cousin, Mary Elizabeth (Taylor) Knight of Lubbock, TX; and close friend, Mary Jean Carter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Kevin Dale Ennis; brother, Frank David Forneris; and grandson, Eric Wade Golden Ennis.

Services are 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Coalgate First Baptist Church; Rev. Jim Lewis will officiate.  The family will receive friends and family on Monday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Coalgate First Baptist Church.