How do you condense the legacy of the most captivating, beautiful woman into a short excerpt? If you didn’t know her, you immediately wanted to. Her presence alone could light up a room and her smile was contagious. She was like a magnet; everyone was inexplicably drawn to her in ways words can’t explain. Dena was so confidently and effortlessly herself, and witnessing her magic was the greatest blessing of our lives.
Dena Compton Devoto (born Dena Jan Compton) peacefully left this world on January 15, 2021 the same way she spent most of her life – surrounded by family and friends. Her strength could move mountains and her faith in the Lord never wavered; she fought to stay with us longer than we ever thought possible.
A proud Dallasite, Dena was a 1972 graduate of David W. Carter HS and a member of the Calico Drill Team. She received both her undergrad and MBA from UNT (formerly North Texas State) and was a member of the inaugural Mean Green Dollies Drill Team. She also gained her angel wings early in life as a charter member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women.
Extremely driven and dedicated to her career, Dena’s impressive resume includes positions with Dr. Pepper, Fox & Jacobs, and Stonebridge Ranch, but none compare to her long-standing tenure as the director of sales and marketing for Blue Star Land, LP, a position she proudly held for over 26 years. Her colleagues became family, and the memories she made over the years brought smiles and laughter through the very end.
Dena believed the best things in life came to those who waited, and this was never more apparent than through her marriage to soulmate EJ. They lovingly joked that it may have taken over 40 years, but they finally got it right. Together for 24 wonderful years, they were some of the happiest of her life.
One of Dena’s greatest treasures in life was her big, beautifully blended family, and no title gave her more joy than ‘momma.’ Named the 2010 Mother of the Year at OU (Oklahoma), Dena was the most selfless and fiercely loving mother. She had a sixth sense when it came to her kids; somehow, she knew when they needed her, even before they knew it themselves. Their bond could never be broken and although gone from their lives, Dena’s legacy will live on through the strength and grace she bestowed on each of them.
All who loved Dena knew she didn’t really follow a schedule and ran on what we all lovingly called ‘Dena Time.’ AKA she was late to everything. But she always showed up. She believed there weren’t many problems in life that couldn’t be solved over a glass of chardonnay, a Christmas Hallmark movie and a good cry. She was so full of life, and she breathed that life into everything she touched. Her green thumb brought back even the most hopeless of plants. More snapping turtles owe their lives to Dena than we can count (don’t ask). Most importantly, she made our house ‘a home.’
She leaves behind an unending list of those who loved and miss her greatly including husband of 17 years EJ; children Laura, Andrea, Kara, Shannon, Matthew and her FSLs; brother Jimmy; nephews Adam and Hunter; the most beautiful grandchildren and great nephews; as well as countless cousins, aunts, uncles and close-knit extended family. Not to mention a host of wonderful friends, co-workers, ‘Bunco Babes,’ colleagues, partners in crime and the entire North Texas real estate community.
There to greet Dena when she entered the pearly gates were her beloved parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, her cousin Lisa, several friends as well as countless ‘fur babies’ including her precious Lacey whom she missed so much.
Visitation will take place at Sparkman Richardson (1029 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson, TX 75081) on Thursday, January 21 from 3-8pm. A Celebration of Life, reception and, in true Dena fashion, fireworks show will be held this summer once it’s safer for more to attend. Memorial contributions in honor of Dena may be sent to ManeGait (www.manegait.org).
Though we won’t get to see her two-step around the kitchen cooking Thanksgiving dinner or enjoy more of the family meals she loved to prepare, we take comfort knowing her light lives on in us and in the stories and memories we share. We’ll miss you every day, Dena Jan. But wherever you are, our love will find you. And we’ll see you soon.
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