Barbara Woods Denton passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge. She departed the surly bonds of earth and is now touching the face of God, enjoying perfect health and peace.

She was born on July 19, 1922 in Knox County to the late James Edward Woods and Ella Georgia Ryan. She was the World War II bride of the late Charles Hughes Denton. They were married for more than 58 years. She is the last surviving sibling of her family of eight and his family of thirteen. Independence, strong will, unconditional love, gratitude, and a willingness to help others personified her life and now define her legacy.

She worked and trained hundreds of young women in the hosiery boarding rooms at the Garrou Knitting Mill in Morganton, NC in the 1940s and the Magnet Knitting Mill in Clinton, TN in the 1950s. She was actively involved over seven decades in Baptist churches, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday School Classes. Beginning in the 1950s, she taught the King's Daughters Sunday School Class at Second Baptist Church in Clinton and directed the YWA program. She taught classes at Pleasant View, New Salem, and most recently the Golden Circle class at Edgemoor Baptist Church.

She was an avid quilter, making and giving many quilts to family and friends over her lifetime. She was an active gardener and raised beautiful Irises and African Violets. She produced amazing embroidered creations. She filled up the family freezer annually with vegetables, fruits, and meats. She also worked with ceramics making several quality pieces that she proudly displayed in her home and gave to family and friends.

She studied her Bible regularly, especially Revelation and Isaiah, carefully teaching her grandchildren Bible verses. She was actively involved in the Eastern Star for many years. She was a good listener and shared down-to-earth advice with family and friends. When she was past normal retirement age, she returned to evening classes and attained her GED equivalent diploma. After retirement, she and Charles spent several winters in Aripeka, FL.


Survived by

Sons Lynn Franklin Denton, Clinton, TN
(Lyndsey Ann Steadman Denton, wife)
Gary Michael Denton, Clinton, TN
(Veronica Frances Yodzukinas Denton, wife)
"Special Daughter" Mrs. Patsy Calway, Oak Ridge, TN
(Robert Calway, husband)

Grandchildren Whitney Suzanne Denton Clement, Clinton, TN
(James Michael Clement, husband)
Timothy Andrew Denton, Centennial, CO
(Christina Latham Denton, wife)
Franklin Clark Denton, Knoxville, TN
(Suzanne Cates Denton, wife)
Jennifer Lynn Denton Haun, Knoxville, TN
(Jeffrey Lynn Haun, husband)

Great-Grandchildren Caleb Denton Clement, Clinton
Monica Vanessa Haun, Knoxville
Michaela Teresa Denton, Centennial, CO
Lucas Andrew Denton Centennial, CO
Rachel Lindsey Clement, Clinton
Emma Grace Denton, Knoxville
Olivia Suzanne Denton, Knoxville
Sarah Elizabeth Denton Centennial, CO
Leah Grace Haun, Knoxville
Phoebe Ella Denton, Knoxville

Sister-in-law Mary Solomon Woods, Knoxville, TN

Hundreds of Nieces, Nephews, and Friends


Barbara Woods Denton (continued)

Predeceased by

Husband Charles Hughes Denton

Parents James Edward Woods and Ella Georgia Ryan

Grandparents James F. Woods and Anna Elizabeth Whitt
James Arthur Ryan and Patience Annie Brooks

Great Grandparents Larkin Whitt and Annie Hayes
Peter Ryan and Sarah Rose
George Washington Brooks and Elizabeth Caroline Craig

Brothers William Orville Woods,
James Edward Woods, Jr.
Ules Franklin Woods
Clarence Monroe Woods

Sisters Lettie Leoma Jennings
Esta Juanita Mayfield
Lois Louise Roberts

Brothers-in-law Clarence Ervin Denton
Fred Oscar Denton
Forest Elbert Denton
Thomas Jethro Denton
Frank McCoy Denton
Haywood Johnson Denton
Leon Gray "Tim" Poteet
Herman Thomas Mace
James Claude Parlier
Ernest Crawley
John Cummings Jennings
Oscar William Mayfield
Curtis Bradford Roberts

Sisters-in-law Lela Mae Dyer Woods
Lucy Irene Yelton Woods
Evelyn Lockwood Woods
Eunice Beatrice Williams Woods
Dorothy Helton Woods
Jinnia Poteet Denton
Annie Lee Mace Denton
Annie Mae Thacker Denton
Flossie Mae Denton Crawley
Louise Estel Chapman Denton
Mary Louise Denton Poteet
Elizabeth Best Denton
Callie Odell Denton Parlier

Her family sincerely expresses thanks to her personal physician, Wendy May, MD and for all the wonderful nurses, caretakers, and good friends at Morning Pointe Assisted Living in Clinton where she resided for more than 3 years. Morning Pointe made her last 3 years wholesome, full of fun, and worth living. Sincere thanks also to the excellent assistance and uncommon care and support from Amedisys Home Health and Hospice Care and Covenant Hospice Care during her last days.

Memorials may be made to Edgemoor Baptist Church, 330 Old Emory Road, Clinton, TN 37716.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:00PM on Saturday, April 27th at Edgemoor Baptist Church in Clinton with a service celebrating her life following at 2:00PM.

Graveside services will follow at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Claxton.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton (www.holleygamblefh.com) is in charge of arrangements.