Denise Derham

Eileen Denise Whittle Derham of Danville, VA passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023. Born in Florida and raised in Bennington, VT, Denise graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Albany, NY and Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She found her way to Danville when she married Henry Drewry Whittle, Jr. in 1949. She and Henry built a beautiful life together, raising six children and enriching the community with their vibrant spirits. Denise was an avid skier (water and snow) and loved to travel as part of the Audobon Society.

Denise was a passionate philanthropist and an eager volunteer. As an educator, she was committed to adult literacy. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church as well as past president of the Wednesday Club of Danville. She served on the boards of the Danville Pittsylvania Cancer Association, DCC Education Foundation, Church Women United, and the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. She was a member of the Danville Golf Club, Water’s Edge Country Club, Wayside Garden Club, Danville YMCA, Shakespeare Club, and Danville Duplicate Bridge Club.

Denise was predeceased by her parents, Alice and John Bernard Harte, siblings, John Bernard Harte II, Marie Jerome, Barbara Harte, and Charles Harte, and by her husband, Henry, in 1999. After his passing, Denise reconnected with a college friend, Robert Derham, to whom she was married in 2004. In addition to Robert Derham, Denise was predeceased by her beloved sons, Henry Drewry Whittle, III and Carter Francis Whittle.

She is survived by her children Harte Whittle, Sr. (Debi), Murray Whittle (Robin), Blaise D. Whittle, and Madison J.R. Whittle (Ann) and her grandchildren, Harte Whittle, Jr., Blair Hodnett (Josh), Mary Kennon Baker (Obediah), Dustin Whittle (Kristina), and Emily Rymer (Taylor) and six great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her great pride and joy.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 10 from 6:00-7:30 at Townes Funeral Home. A mass of Christian burial and celebration of life will take place on Monday, December 11 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by interment at Danville Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Whittle Family Scholarship at DCC, Danville Pittsylvania Cancer Association, or the Danville Lifesaving Crew.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memory Wall at www.townesfuneralhome.com The Whittle family has entrusted arrangements to Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main St., Danville, VA, 434-793-1211.