Few members of our Meredith community seem to have inspired as much loyalty and friendship as Lynn Jones Ennis, ‘75. When asked, many of her colleagues and friends at Meredith used words like “delightful”, “playful” and “devoted” to describe her personality and dedication to our school, her family and career. Lynn served as our Alumnae Association President from 2002–2003. My own association with Lynn occurred during the 2003–2004 year as I served on the Board as a Regional Director. I had a lot to learn, but Lynn was always so nice and patient when I asked questions that to her, must have seemed pretty rudimentary at the time. I always found her to have a lighthearted view of the world around her, in the most pleasant of ways. She seemed to find the humor in everyday life and approached her work on the Board much the same. While there were many hours devoted to improving outreach as our Board President, Lynn never forgot to have fun and engendered the same in others.
Deborah Jordan Mathews, ’74, Alumnae Association President 2009-2011 remembers Lynn this way: “Lynn and I had been giggling teenagers together – neighbors, high school friends, fellow Meredith Angels, bridesmaids in each other’s weddings. When we spoke over the years, time fell away. There really are no words to describe these types of memories – they are simply heartfelt and forever. I will miss her. Lynn asked me to join the Board as a Regional Director in 2006. Her love of our wonderful school was immensely apparent as she described the role to me. It was obvious that she saw it as an opportunity to partner with fellow Meredith graduates to enhance and grow an already wonderful Alumnae Association. We were so fortunate to have had her at our helm”
We credit Lynn with ensuring our Alumnae Taskforces of Community, Giving and Outreach hit the ground running and staying committed to their respective missions. Successive Boards have followed this model as well.
Deb Smith, ’80, Alumnae Association President 2003-2005 describes Lynn by saying: “Lynn Ennis had a huge heart. She was generous and accepting to a fault. Her goal as President of the MeredithCollege Alumnae Association was to assure that engaged, empowered alumnae leadership would always be the norm. Lynn loved and believed in this institution. Most importantly, she believed in her Alumnae sisters. Her sudden passing is a great loss to the Association.”
The North Carolina State University Gregg Museum of Art and Design website describes Lynn’s professional accomplishments by writing: “Dr. Ennis was Associate Director and Curator of the Collection at The Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University. She earned a B.A. in history from Meredith College, a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) from Duke University and a Ph.D. in American Studies from Union Institute and University. Lynn was devoted heart and soul to promoting the arts and believed in its powerful role in our lives. In her role as wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and friend, she exhibited that same tireless love to support dreams, inspire creativity, comfort pains, and provide strength wherever needed.”
While the preceding summary of her career and education are powerful enough to stand alone, we, at Meredith can add many heartfelt memories of Lynn that will live on in the minds of many friends and acquaintances. Most of all, Lynn exemplifies the best of Meredith; she was a well-educated woman who served as a leader and role model in her community, at her Alma Mater and within her family. We wish her Godspeed and a fond farewell, for now…
– Elizabeth Dove, ’84, President, Meredith College Alumnae Association
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