Azenia Rozine "Dena" Whitaker

Azenia Rozine Whitaker, "Dena", 69, passed away on December 4, 2025, in Hartford, Connecticut. Azenia was born to the late Tilford Whitaker and Arthur K. Shelby on September 1, 1956 in Temple, Texas. She studied at both the University of Houston and the University of Texas (UT) at Austin and graduated from UT with a Bachelor's degree in Radio, Television, and Film. It was here, at the University of Texas where she also pledged the Epsilon Beta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and later served as the president of the Temple Alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Azenia devoted her life to educating young people in the Temple Independent School District and went on to receive her Masters in Education. She spent many years teaching at both Lamar Middle School and later Wheatley Alternative Education Center where she was a fierce advocate for her students and a strong believer in the power of education. She retired after more than 20 years of service to the district in 2018. Azenia was a creative spirit, an avid writer and actor who won awards for her poetry, wrote children's books and performed in plays from high school into adulthood. She was a devoted Christian who instilled these values in her children and continued actively practicing and walking in the faith until death. She loved art, movies, and music and shared this appreciation of the arts with her children and grandchildren. She could always be found reading a good book, watching a movie, or listening to good music. She was a brave, free spirit who encouraged her children and those around her to pursue their dreams passionately and to never be afraid to take risks. Her love for her children, grandchildren and family were immeasurable and she will be most remembered for her beauty, kindness, and infectious sense of humor always making people laugh and bringing joy to those around her.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory two daughters Haile Cole and Faith Whitaker; two grandchildren Nia Cole and Prince Patridge; siblings Benita, Anita, Tilford Earl, Anthony, Brandon, Ralph, Paula, and James; and a host of other family and friends.
Azenia was preceded in death by both of her parents and siblings Randolph and Belinda Joy.
Azenia's impact on her community and those around her was tremendous and will have ripple effects for generations to come. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.