Denise Ellen Bryan

Denise Ellen Bryan, affectionately known as Denny, 61, of Dillwyn, beloved wife of 36 years to Donnie Bryan, passed away peacefully at home on September 2, 2024. Denny was born in North Branford, CT, daughter of the late Arthur H. (Jr) and Doris (Hannon) LeQuin.
In addition to Donnie, who selflessly took care of her, she leaves to celebrate her life, a son, Erik Bryan and his wife Shelby Bryan of Dillwyn; grandchildren, Kimberleigh Bryan of Johnson City, TN, Caeden Bryan, Christian Bryan and Steven Bryan all of Dillwyn; Brothers, Thomas (Jody) LeQuin of North Branford, CT and James (Carolyn) of Dublin, CA; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Denny met Donnie in 1987 in Mildenhall, England while they were both serving in the military and they quickly fell in love. After Denny's time was up, she returned to the United States and they got married in 1988 in Connecticut. Denny accepted Donnie's son, Erik, with open arms and raised him as her own. She was such an amazing mother to Erik that most did not realize their relationship was not biological. Through Denny and Donnie's 36 years of marriage, their little family traveled all over the world, living in Germany, Florida, North Carolina, and finally landed in Virginia. They set roots in Dillwyn, VA in 2000 where they built a house and watched their grandchildren grow up.
Denny worked for Food Lion LLC for 29 years and retired in 2022. After retiring, Denny and Donnie decided to sell their house, move into a traveling camper, and trek across America visiting their bucket list destinations. They were able to enjoy retirement by camping and catching up with old friends on military bases before Denny was diagnosed with cervical cancer in December 2023. After undergoing numerous cancer treatments, Denny and Donnie returned to Dillwyn where she passed peacefully at home surrounded by the family she built.
Denny was a beautiful person inside and out. She was always very direct and straightforward with her feelings which those around her thought was a breath of fresh air. Outnumbered by boys in their family, Denny loved pampering her only granddaughter, Kimberleigh, with frequent shopping trips and pedicures. She was a huge supporter of her grandchildren's sports endeavors, often in attendance for the softball, soccer or baseball games they had. She also enjoyed being outdoors whether it be hiking, sunbathing at the beach, or just walking the dogs. Denny loved to travel; her happy place was on the road with her husband and dogs. She was an exceptionally hard worker who enjoyed giving back to her community in any way she could. She had a vibrant spirit and contagious smile that we will miss dearly.
Denny was a devout Catholic her entire life and had faith that this was not a "goodbye", but a "see you later". She spoke sweetly of reconnecting with her parents in Heaven and had faith that her four-legged friends would meet her at the gates with their tails wagging.
Visitation will be held at Dunkum Funeral Home in Dillwyn, Friday September 6th from 6-8 pm. A mass service for Denny will be held the following day, Saturday September 7th at 10 am at Dunkum Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.