In the early hours of Thursday, June 5, 2025 our sister, aunt, and friend Denise Andrea Dunn passed away peacefully in her sleep. Denise was born in Newport News, Virginia to the late Josie Mae Dunn of Hampton, Virginia on February 17, 1957.

Denise was educated in Hampton City Schools. After graduating from Hampton High School, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.  Denise went on to attend Wake Forest University School of Law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where she fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. She spent much of her career advocating for the rights of juveniles and those with mental and intellectual disabilities as an employee of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Denise was predeceased by her beloved mother, Josie Mae Dunn, and one brother, Ronnie Dunn. She is survived by two brothers, Robin Dunn of Newport News, Virginia, and Adrian Dunn (Shandra) of Williamsburg, Virginia; three nieces: Marsha Watford, Menika Dunn, and Cherise Smith; two nephews: Rodney Dunn and Adrian Dunn II.

Denise also leaves to cherish her memory two godchildren, Danielle and Whitney Whitaker; her lifelong childhood friend, Deborah Sapp Whitaker; her college roommate and longtime friend, Uzillus "Z" Smith, and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601 27th Street, Newport News, Virginia.