Denise Hodnette Mabry, age 75, of Pensacola, Florida passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 25, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and a dedicated healthcare worker who touched the lives of many.
Born on April 10, 1949, in Pensacola, Florida to Frank and Denise Hodnette, Denise developed a passion for helping others from a young age. She grew up in Pensacola where she spent her time in dance classes, gymnastics, and graduated from Pensacola High School. Denise was a proud graduate of the University of Alabama, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. Roll Tide! She cherished her time at the university and remained a loyal alumni. She was a proud sister of Alpha Gama Delta for all four years at UA. This passion for others and teaching led her to pursue a career in Nursing, where she served as a Surgical Nurse, ER Nurse, and Nurse Educator at West Florida Hospital for many years. Her compassionate care and unwavering dedication to her patients earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and the gratitude of those she served. Later, she pursued a career as a Nurse Practitioner in Covenant Hospice Care, where she spent the remainder of her career.
A devout Christian, Denise's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of Pinewoods Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir at Brownsville Assembly of God with her children and husband by her side. Her faith guided her actions and inspired her to live a life of kindness, generosity, and love.
Denise was a loving wife to Bill Mabry and devoted mother to Laura Allison, William James Jr, and Gregory Brooks. She cherished her role as a grandmother to Ava and Jackson, who brought immense joy to her life. She was a constant source of love, support, and wisdom for her family. Many days spent in the PRA (pool), tending to her flowers, gardening, and playing with her fur babies.
Denise is preceded in death by her husband, William James Mabry, Sr.; daughter, Laura Allison Mabry; Parents, Frank Brooks Hodnette, Sr., MD, Denise Leitch Hodnette; brother, Robert Monahan Hodnette; Godmother, Laura Patton Stephens.
Denise is survived by her sons, William James Jr. (Leigh Anne) and Gregory Brooks (Catherine); Granddaughter, Ava Elizabeth Mabry; Grandson, Jackson Harris Mabry; Brothers, Frank Brooks Hodnette, Jr. MD (Frankie), John Campbell Hodnette, Sr. (Sandy).
A celebration of life will be held on February 8th from 1pm to 3pm at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Hwy., Pensacola FL 32503.
The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. William Goldsmith, Sharon, Tina, Constance, Rosemary, Tonia, Kimberly, Stan, and all the caring staff members at Select Specialty Hospital in Pensacola.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Donatelife.org and A Place of Hope Small Dog Rescue in memory of Denise
