Carolynn "Denise" Henderson

Carolynn “Denise” Henderson

July 6, 1970 - July 1, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Carolynn “Denise” Henderson on July 1, 2024, while working overseas in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Denise was born on July 6, 1970, into military life at the oldest continuously running naval hospital dating back to 1830, located in Portsmouth, Virginia. From the time she was old enough to walk, she protected all those she loved. We vividly remember her attacking someone who threatened her older brother when they both were just toddlers. She attended Williamstown High School in New Jersey and graduated from Mt. Ararat High School in Maine. Her protective gene led her to enlist in the Navy in 1988, straight out of high school where she served in Mayport, FL. Denise also was athletic and enjoyed sports. She was chosen as “All Star for South Jersey” amongst all the high schools in New Jersey while playing soccer at Williamstown. That love of soccer went with her into the Navy while stationed at Mayport Naval Station in Florida, along with volleyball. She was known for her soccer “Thunder Foot” and her “Dynamite Volleyball Serve!” Learning. She loved learning, always trying to grow in her own right, attending George Mason University, Fairfax, VA; graduating from Liberty University with a Bachelor Degree, and was taking classes at Harvard at the time of her passing.

If we were to sum up her life in one word she would be known as an adventurer. She loved exploring, she loved animals, volunteering at the National Zoo in DC and a local animal petting zoo in Reston, VA, as well as the Denver Zoo in Denver, CO. She specifically loved the lions and elephants which motivated her to go on a Safari in one of her many adventures. She loved life and wanted to travel, travel, and travel some more--which she did going to all 50 States as well as all 7 continents. She was a world traveler and a quintessential gourmand. Denise was predeceased by brother Daniel, sister Julia, and “Sam,” her love bug black lab. Denise is survived by her mother Frances DeVore, father Ray Henderson, 4 brothers William Webster, Tom, Chris, and Andrew Henderson as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunties & uncles and two of her besties: Pam & Abbas. Denise will be missed by the many who love her.

Services with military honors will be held 8/5/2024 at 11:00 AM at the Assembly of God church In Lind, WA followed by graveside services at the Lind Cemetery. Thanks to Debbie Starring and Boxwood Home & Garden in Ritzville, Washington for providing the beautiful flowers for our beloved Denise’s memorial service. In lieu of flowers, should you prefer, donations can be made in the name of C. Denise Henderson to either of the following two places: 1) the Denver Zoo in Denver, CO: https://denverzoo.org/support/donate/ a place dear to her heart (or) 2) Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia https://cdhawarenessshop.org/ another area near and dear to Denise.