Janice "Jan" Kay Denney

Mrs. Janice Kay Copeland Denney, 71, of Woodbury passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. She was born in Nashville, Tennessee on April 26, 1952. Preceding her in death were her parents, Hugh Copeland and Doris (Haven) Copeland, husband, John Michael Denney, sons, Joshua Denney and Mitch Denney. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Gonzalez, step-son, John Denney, and a sister, Judy Hilton.

Growing up, Janice discovered she had a good mind for figures. This translated well to a position working with accounting in payroll.  It also came in handy when she and John married because with three boys and a girl she had to learn to be thrifty with their money. She was able to manage their household expenses for their large family, which gave them the opportunity to expand their family with pets.

She and John had a love for animals, especially Golden Retrievers and Maltese dogs.  At some point, they realized they wanted to open a breeding kennel and show their beloved pets. They named their business, Red Fan Kennels. Over the years, they traveled and were able to show their beloved dogs.  Her accounting skills were also put to good use running the business side of the kennel. When she wasn't working, she and John spent time outside growing gardenias, lilies, canons, and tomatoes.

Life held a number of challenges for Jan. Her son, Joshua, was born with cerebral palsy. He required a high level of care.  She juggled many things to take care for him along with all her other duties of being a wife, mother, and business owner.  Her world was turned upside down when Joshua passed away. Then, her husband, John, and her son, Mitch, passed within a year of each other.  

During all of these tragedies, she also began loosing her eyesight, but even through the overwhelming problems she had, she did her best to maintain a good outlook. When she wasn't able to care for herself, she found new friends and adopted family with the staff and patients at Riverview Assisted Living and NHC McMinnville. They became close, and she found great comfort from their friendship and care. 

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Monday, November 13, 2023,  from 1-2 pm. Funeral services will be held in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 2 pm. Tim Gentry will officiate. Interment will be in Gilley Hill Cemetery.  Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story.