Retirees Association

Barbara "Jean" Denney, 64, Assistant Director of Disability Services

Jean Denney

Grateful and blessed for the 64 years she touched us, friends and family toast the full life of Barbara Jean Denney with an ice cold Coca Cola, her favorite beverage. Jeanie left this mortal earth on October 6, 2018.  She had recently celebrated 25 years as a breast cancer survivor but through her long battle with various forms of cancer since, she maintained a sense of humor, a bright smile, a big heart, and a hearty laugh. She was an inspiration and a role model to all who fight the disease. 

Always the prankster, Jeanie traveled with a suitcase filled with silly props to elevate the level of fun for any occasion. Embracing, never fearing life, she loved the OSU Buckeyes, travel, golfing, birding, camping, and time spent with her posse: Debbie B., Cynthia C., Dru D-C, Marty D-C, Barbara G., Alena H., Rebecca L., Donna L., Joan P., Debbie S., Sharon S. and Julie W.

Born April 8,1954, in Dayton, Ohio, she graduated from Kansas State University with a B.S. in Recreational Leadership and HPER.  Jean received an M.A. in Adapted Physical Education and Student Affairs in Higher Education from Wright State University while working as a graduate teaching assistant and adjunct instructor.

Since 1986 Jeanie has mentored and encouraged students in roles at Wright State as Adapted Recreation Coordinator in Disability Services, Director of Campus Recreation, and Associate Director of the Student Union. Since 2002 she served as an Assistant Director of Disability Services before retiring in August 2017 after a 31-year career. She was a devoted, passionate student advocate, impacting many through the years who have gone on to become professionals in their fields.

Jeanie is survived by a twin sister, Joan Holmes, San Antonio, Texas, a brother, Don Denney (Charlene), Springboro, Ohio, and a sister, Linda Denney, Englewood, Ohio, together with many nieces and nephews.

In true Jeanie fashion, she has donated her body to the Anatomical Gift Program at Wright State University.

Jean Denney's Life Celebration Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, from 2-4 p.m., at Aullwood Audubon Farm, 9101 Frederick Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45414. Details will be posted to Jean's Journey 2017 on Facebook. Please go to this link for updates or to post any photos of Jean that you may have.