Wilfred Dennis Jr

Professional School Photographer, Wilfred Dennis, Jr. was the owner of Dennis PhotoFinish, Ltd. and creator of the legendary “ 7th Ward Chocolate Santa of New Orleans” climbed the stairway to Heaven on Wednesday April 25, 2018. This native New Orleanean was the oldest of 3 siblings, Craig “Kevin” Dennis (Tika) and Dwan D. Haydel (Theophile) born to Wilfred and Irma Jones Dennis, Sr. A product of the 9th Ward who attended St. Phillip the Apostle, George Washington Carver Jr. & Sr. High, SUNO, Industrial Photography in Minneapolis as well as specialized training from National School Studios. Affectionately called “Mann”, “Pauchie”, “Grandpa Honey” and “Front Page”. His 1st marriage was fleeting to his high school sweetheart but to this union was born a beautiful daughter named Twainya Monette D. (Ronald) Parker. Later, he married Kim Nylett Gayle in 1977 until her demise. Once again he was blessed to find love for 25 years in marriage with his present wife Gail (nee’ Martin). Additional survivors include two great-aunts: Beulah St. Junior, Elaine Hayes ; brother-in-law of Bonnie Angela & Willie L. Hall, Jr. of Marrietta , Ga, Cassandra & Anthony Martin of Wash, D. C.; grandchildren : Jazlyn Rose , Calyssa E’Lon Parker of Cibola, TX ; niece and nephews: Irving C. Gayle, Jada , Jalen Haydel, Juan Redman, Kayla , Malcolm Hall, Milan Martin; God-father of Trenia Sluch, Lisa Oubre Harrison, Nycole , NyColus Cayette; and a host of loving relatives. Members of the Dennis PhotoFinish, Ltd. family; Orleans, St. John & St. James Parish Schools, NOMTOC and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, along with devoted friends Brian Epstein, Joyce Foster, Glenn Fleming, and Jessie James Lepree and all other family & friends are invited to attend a Viewing only at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. on Friday, May 4, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Pleasant Zion Missionary B. C., 3317 Toledano Street on Saturday, May 5, 2017 at 9:30 am with Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Thompson, Pastor, officiant. Visitation will be held from 8:00 am to 9:30 am. Interment: St. Louis #3 Cemetery on Esplanade Ave. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.