I never got to meet this amazing woman but she helped my husband and I through a dark time in our lives when things seemed so bleak.  She had a kind and generous heart and I will never forget what she did for us in our time of need. My condolences to the family and those who knew her. Heaven definitely acquired an angel.

I attended Salem elementary with Denise when I was in 2nd grade and she was in 1st, and she and her parents lived across the street from me. We have remained dear friends ever since even though my family moved to San Diego in 1953.
I would love if her daughter would get in touch with me. 3323 Mohican Ave San Diego 92117
Mobile 6l9 548 3162
I still get the South Dakota magazine she subscribed to for me.
Cecelia Trimble

Denise was my dear friend from childhood in Salem, South Dakota, and lived across the street from me.
We attended Salem Methodist church, long before it became United Methodist. We were in Sunday school and vacation Bible school and were roommates at camp Poinsett.
I was always going to name a daughter Rebecca Denise, but had 4 boys! When We rescued a female spaniel, I called Denny and said I named her Rebecca Denise (Becky)
Our family moved to San Diego in 1953, but went back to South Dakota every summer for years, and when Richard and Denise came for a conference in San Diego, we had a lovely visit. Cecelia Trimble 6195483162

Oh, Denise, how we love you.  Your bright enthusiasm, kindness, love, and open  connectedness brought joy to our family.   You modeled a behavior we should all emulate, and we will miss you until we meet again.  I will expect waffles when I get there, and ALL the dogs!   Love you to the moon and back.
See you soon, Cousin!  

Marna

Dear Family,
Jerry and I send our deepest sympathy on the sudden loss of your dear mother.  She was a friend to all, a champion of the arts and artists and a loving member of community organizations from which we all benefit.  She never left you without an encouraging word or smile or hug.  
She has left a legacy of love and kindness and we pray her memories will continue to bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
With thanksgiving for Denise Whitman’s life,
Phyllis and Jerry Coulter

Denise was a complete joy to be around. Her wit, kindness and generosity were legendary. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

I didn't know Denise as well as I might have liked, but I admired her greatly.  She was so friendly and kind.  As a JMU faculty member, I also knew and respected Dick.   They were a lovely couple, and the community has lost two very fine people.   Elizabeth Ihle

I am sharing an email I received from Denise only a few days before she passed.  It captures her vibrant spirit and wonderful life so well.  
"Tomorrow I am taking Amtrak to NYC.   FOR LA BOHEME at the Met!   I AM BEYOND EXCITED.   B'day gift from family; daughter and granddaughter are accompanying me.  
Sat am we are taking a cab to NYC public library and look at the Polonsky exhibition.  
Of course, back to Alexandria and the 'burg respectively Sunday." 
Gratefully, Denise

Denise was a remarkable woman.  I met her when I came to JMU to work for Dick Whitman (the best boss ever).  Dick and Denise took me under their wings and remained dear friends after I left JMU.  Denise loved Dick, her children, and grandchildren fiercely, and she was always seeking ways to serve at JMU, at church, and in the community.  Dick and Denise lived their values and have been lifelong role models.  We need more people like them in the world, and I grieve this loss with you.  

Brenda Barnes, Seattle

Denise,  I'm at a loss for words to hear of your passing. My heart is broken. I hope you were able to get to the Opera in NYC & enjoy it.  From all of us at the Downtown Post office, we are so grateful for you! I don't think we could ever tell you enough how much we appreciated your generosity by bringing us snacks, breakfast & lunch at least once a week. You were a God sent angel. We will miss your enthusiasm. You brightened our days with your presence. Now our prayers go to your grieving family whom you adored. Fly high sweet Angel!! Our days will never be the same...Lori, Rhonda, Denise, Mary & Mike

Sorry to hear of Mrs. Whitman's passing.  I have very fond childhood memories of 49 Sunnyside Drive.  And she made the best cut out sugar cookies!  Rest in peace.

To the Family of Denise Whitman:
I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of such a vivacious energetic person as Denise and wish to express my sincere sympathy to you.   Denise  was such a caring person and always working to help make life better for others, particularly those who were in need.  She was always sending cards and taking food to the sick and the shut-ins.  She was a real caregiver and a very active member of Asbury Church.  I will surely miss her warm greetings and hugs.  Denise will be sorely missed.

I will greatly miss Denise who is my first cousin and I had gone to see her twice in Harrisonburg. Denise, was a great hostess I know we went to both Monticello and Mount Vernon together. I will also miss her wonderful waffles that she made for breakfast – I wish I could do as well! I will miss her emails and particularly her clueing me in when there were important birthdays or anniversaries in the family. I will very much miss being able to call her up and talk with her also, which we did occasionally. I have many wonderful memories of Denise, including the dirty swimming hole in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, that we went to when we were kids.  Denise was more than just a cousin. She was kind of a cross between a cousin and a sister. Much condolences to her entire family. Love Chuck Whitney and spouse. Mark Janssen.

We were so very sorry to hear of Denise’s passing.  She will be missed by many in the community.  Our sincerest sympathy to the family at this difficult time.

Denise was optimistic, open, funny, enthusiastic, generous, involved, and fun. I'm so glad our paths crossed! She never forgot someone she had met, even if it had been decades since she'd last interacted with them, had such a youthful and vibrant spirit. She is a role model of how to continue enjoying your life until the very end. My sincere sympathy to her family!
Jenna Smith Dull
Staunton, VA (formerly of Harrisonburg)

We knew Denise and Dick when we were at JMU.   Denise was always upbeat and energetic and with Dick contributed  considerably to the University's growth and development.  Denise continued to be an energetic force in the JMU and Harrisonburg communities throughout her life.  She seemed to be everywhere and know everyone. Kind of a force of nature. 
Many people will miss her kindness and generosity.  Our warmest condolences to her family.

Doug and Betsy Brown

Denise was my neighbor for all the years she and Dick spent in Harrisonburg.  She was there for everybody in the neighborhood.
The "Energizer Bunny" one neighbor described her.  There was nothing she wouldn't do for you including once taking in a neighbor on an early Sunday morning just as he was released from jail! She was a key member of the "Secret Society" and her house was always buzzing with activity be it family, church related, JMU or one of her other many interests.  It is often cliche to say "she will be missed" but in this case Denise Whitman will truly me missed by countless people and organizations.
My deep condolences to Andrea, Mark and the extended families.

Dear Andrea,
 Your Mother is one of our oldest fiends from the Athens' days. She took such good care of Jenny and we both loved her dearly.  It is truly a very sad loss.  Thoughts and prayers to your family.  Love Jill Harlow

Dear Family,
We are so saddened to learn of the loss of Denise.  We saw her recently.  She was her happy, bubbly self, full of fun and smiles.
What an example she was for us...always helping with a smile and word of encouragement.
Her family was so important to her.  She always would be so excited to tell you all about the visit or trip she had taken with her family.
She was so active in her community, taking care of needs at her Church, the Hospital, Salvation Army, PEO, neighbors, and who knows what else.
We are honored to know Denise.  She blessed our lives in so many ways.  She made a difference.  She will be missed.  
Condolences, 
Sharon and Whit Menefee

Years ago  Denise came into my life when her sister Diane was at our facility.  Such a kind lady always there for her sister When her husband died I remember how broken she was. My husband died in April and I received a card with postage stamps in it .She was always thinking of others and how she could help. So very sorry for the families loss of such a beautiful ,thoughtful human being.

Andrea, Your beautiful mother was loved by everyone who crossed her path. Denise brought joy to the community with her friendship, kindness, enthusiasm for life, and her great patience for talking and listening.  With love to you and to your entire family.

Our deepest sympathy to the entire family of Denise Whitman. She was a dear friend and will be greatly missed.
Denise was one of those very special people you get to meet if you are so fortunate and your paths cross. Godspeed Denise.
We pray that we will see you again someday.

Phil and Tina Updike

Andrea, I loved your mother. She brought light and happiness whenever she walked through the door of the Arts Council. She will be missed! My thoughts are with you, Steve, and your family.

Andrea,  I am so so sorry for your loss.  Denise was a bright light and beautiful soul.  She will be missed.  So much.  Thinking of you,  Andrea.
Sherrill Glanzer

OBITUARY

Denise Anne (Kinzley) Whitman

November 13, 1942 – October 23, 2023

Lindsey Funeral Homes

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