Denise Houlditch Dow

Denise passed away peacefully at her home on October 3, 2025, with her husband and son by her side. Denise spent years battling through the cruel stages of Alzheimer’s until she went home with our Lord, where she was finally healed. Throughout her illness, her faith never wavered and at the end she was ready to see Jesus face to face.

Denise was a lifelong resident of Birmingham. She met her high school sweetheart in eleventh grade at Briarwood Christian High School, and they were inseparable since. Denise attended Samford University where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation, Denise and William were married in 1981 and enjoyed 44 years of marriage together. Denise was active at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Birmingham Boys Choir, as well as numerous other pursuits. However, her heart was in missions where she participated in several mission trips across the world.

It was said that Denise never met a stranger and was a friend to all, regardless of race, creed or social status. One close friend summarized Denise: “William was very reserved and always kept it between the lines. Denise, on the other hand, did not even know the lines existed!”

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Glyndal Houlditch, her sister, Debbie, and her son William Dow, Jr. She is survived by her husband William and their children Kareth Dow Ferguson (Steve); Benjamin Dow (Hannah) and grandchildren Cornelia Ruth Dow and James Alexander Dow; her sister Donna Yarbrough and her brother Bobby Houlditch. Additionally, she also left behind the main love of her life, her Yorkie - Hermione!

Funeral Services are Wednesday, October 8, at 10:00 a.m. at Elmwood Cemetery, followed by a reception at the home of William and Denise.

The family wishes to thank Denise’s wonderful caregiver, Carol, who quickly became a member of the family. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Center of Alabama or the Birmingham/Jefferson Humane Society.