February 13, 1927 ~ November 20, 2025 

Deana Belle Denton, age 98, passed away Thursday morning, November 20, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Rhea County on February 13, 1927, to John and Ella Gossett.

A lifelong resident of the area, she was a devoted member of Unity Gospel Tabernacle Church and a founding member of the North Dayton Church of God in 1982. Deana was an artist at heart, finding great joy in painting and earning awards for several of her works. She was also an active member of the Dayton Arts League and the Rhea Richland Community Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William H. Denton Sr.; her brothers, Kenneth, Manuel, and Estelle Gossett; and her sisters, Evelyn Johnson, Velba Smith, and Christine Gossett.

She is survived by her children, Tammy (Larry) Lee, William H. (Patricia) Denton Jr., and Roy (Kimberly) Denton; and by her brother, Cecil (Clare) Gossett. She leaves behind five grandchildren: Amanda (Scott) Coolack, Amy Lee, Angel Denton, Dustin (Darlene) Denton, and Brandon Denton; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Coulter Garrison Funeral Home with Rev. Ed Hughes and Pastor Douglas Graham officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday night from 4:00–8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow Monday’s service in Rhea Memory Gardens.

Coulter Garrison Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.