Denise Anne Westbrook

Born in Hickory, NC, Denise was the daughter of Fred Paul Woody and the late Nancy Ann Beaver Raffield. After graduating from college Denise began her career in the medical field. Throughout her life she held a variety of roles that reflected her deep dedication to caring for others, including Radiological Technologist, Surgical Technician, and later as a personal trainer and wellness coach. Her passion for health and fitness was evident not just in her career, but in every aspect of her life—especially during her years teaching high-energy aerobics, spinning, and yoga classes in Charlotte.

Denise moved to Charlotte from Myrtle Beach, SC, and there she met and married her loving husband and best friend, Warren Clifton Westbrook, in September 1982. Over their four decades together, they raised two children and shared a life filled with adventure, countless concerts, dancing, laughter, and good-natured bickering.

Denise was preceded in death by her beloved mother, sister Tammy Anette Woody Blackmond and her brother in-law Pat Blackmond. She is survived by her father, Fred Woody of Hickory, NC; her loving husband, Warren Westbrook of Charlotte, NC, her children Chase Westbrook (Nadia) of Charlotte, NC and Mackenzie Westbrook Burkett (Tyler) of Gainesville, FL; and her four grandchildren, Christian Westbrook, Tanner Burkett, Natalie Westbrook, and Mason Burkett.

Denise was a fiercely devoted mother to her children and an incredibly proud grandmother, lovingly known as “Gigi” to her four cherished grandchildren. Denise never missed an opportunity to share their photos or stories with anyone who would listen, and nothing brought her more joy than being their Gigi.

Denise was, in short, the life of the party. What she lacked in height, she more than made up for in passion and spunk. She loved music and wasn’t shy about belting out her favorites. She danced whenever the mood struck, ate spicy food with gusto (the hotter the better), and never turned down a glass of wine (or two). Denise was a voracious reader, a health and fitness guru, and an animal lover. She loved hiking the NC mountains, the calm of the ocean, but most of all loved her family and friends fiercely.

Later in life, Denise gave back to her community through meaningful volunteer work. She served as a Guardian ad Litem in Mecklenburg County, advocating for children involved in challenging court cases, and she volunteered at Mecklenburg County Animal Care & Control, caring for abandoned kittens and helping them find loving homes.

A woman of deep faith, Denise was a long-time member of Calvary Church and later Next Level Church in Charlotte, where she found community and spiritual nourishment.

A service celebrating Denise’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in the Chapel at Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Humane Society of Charlotte.

The next time you dance in your living room with a glass of wine, or eat something that’s just a little too spicy, the family asks that you think of Denise—and smile.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com