Dennis Dwayne Witherspoon

Mr. Dennis Dwayne Witherspoon transitioned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at the age of 67. Dennis was born in Jackson, Tennessee, to Ms. Wilma Jean Witherspoon on January 28, 1955. His family valued service at a young age, and Dennis accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior during his adolescent years.

When Dennis was in third grade, he was the first Black male to integrate Whitehall Elementary School; a pivotal moment in the local community during the civil rights movement. Throughout his youth, Dennis developed a strong work ethic. He graduated from Jackson Central Merry High School in 1975 and moved to Nashville to attend Tennessee State University. On August 11, 1979, Dennis graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare.

Over the years, Dennis worked for the Tennessee Department of Correction and eventually transitioned to the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) system to serve as a teacher. As his calling to serve children and families grew, Dennis began his journey with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS). During his time with DCS, Dennis served as an adoption specialist helping many children find their forever homes while reuniting others with their birth families. On May 11, 2013, Dennis continued his educational journey by completing a Master of Science in Public Service Management degree from Cumberland University. He celebrated 35 years of continuous and loyal service to the State of Tennessee on July 1, 2020.

Dennis was a charismatic, loving, generous, and loyal man who used his gifts to bless the community. He was kind, and his infectious laughter and beaming smile would light up a room. In 1994, he assisted his wife in establishing Bell Witherspoon Outreach Ministries, a community-based ministry serving the public. Additionally, they started Flowers by Mary Bell, a floral and wedding consultation business.

Dennis is preceded in transition by his wife of over 40 years, Mary Bell Witherspoon, mother, Ms. Wilma Jean Witherspoon, brother, David Eddings, and sisters, Mona Eddings and Pamela Witherspoon Hayes. Dennis is the beloved father of Dr. Maria Christine Witherspoon and Dr. DeAndrea Nicole (Terrance) Witherspoon Nash and the proud grandfather of Miss Hannah Christine Nash. His siblings include Mr. Larry (Clara) Witherspoon, Mr. Dewayne Carson, Mr. Kelly (Patricia) Witherspoon, Mr. Anthony Eddings, Ms. Felecia Drake, and Ms. Stephanie Eddings. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members will forever cherish priceless memories of Dennis. He will forever be in our hearts.

Please join us in celebrating Dennis’ remarkable life journey on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. A viewing will occur on Friday, April 1, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Masks will be required at Terrell Broady Funeral Home