Dena Woodward (90) passed away in Newport News, on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. She was born in South Carolina on November 8, 1932.

Dena's survivors include daughter Deborah C. Mixon (Bill) of Newport News; grandchildren, John Henry Crenshaw, III (Summer), Thomas Jackson Crenshaw (Jess) and Grace Marie Crenshaw (Mike) of Cincinnati OH; nephews, Joseph A."Andy" Landrum (Terrie) of Yorktown and Robert H. Landrum of Prince William County; niece Barabara Ann Turissini of Rockport, TX; and a number of great grandchildren and great nieces and nephews.

Dena was preceded in death by her father James Dalton Garrett, Jr.; her mother Helen Inez Keller; her sister Ann Gosch; her son John Crenshaw, II;and her husband Robert Woodward.

Dena worked tirelessly over a long career and retired from Sammy and Steve's restaurant as bookkeeper and office manager. At 90 years old, Dena was fiercely independent and self-sufficient - she loved life and enjoyed spending free time with her friends and with her daughter and family. She was actively involved in her church and serving others in the community.

Visitation will be held on Monday August 14, 2023 at 11 AM with a funeral service following at 12 noon at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick Wilson officiating. Entombment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.

Special thanks to her neighbors and friends who looked after her. Those who wish to remember Dena in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Denbigh Baptist Church in Newport News, or to a charitable organization of choice.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.