Dena Silvers

Dena was born on January 4, 1952, to Charles and Launa Wilhite in Decatur, Texas. From a young age, she learned the value of community and faith by watching how her father lived and served this community. Dena would go on to follow in his footsteps in many ways, but "being out amongst them" was one of his famous sayings that she took to heart. She learned how to cook with love and sew almost anything she could imagine, from doll dresses to her wedding dress from her mother, which shaped her career and how she cared for those around her.

In High School, she loved nothing more than to cheer on the Decatur Eagles as a cheerleader, a passion that remained with her for the rest of her life. After Dena graduated from Decatur High School in 1970, she went on to study Home Economics at North Texas State University, aka University of North Texas. She graduated with her master's in 1976. There, she met Ron Silvers, a goofy yet handsome blond West Texas Boy.

They married in 1975, and this June marks 50 years together, building a life centered on love, service, and family. Together, they raised two children, Stacy Silvers of Austin and Lauren Brewer of Arlington.

Dena began her teaching career at Springtown High School as a Home Economics teacher, launching an almost 40-year career in education.

In 1975, she was proud to return to Decatur High School, teaching alongside her mentor and dear friend, Mrs. Betty Carson. Dena developed lasting friendships with fellow educators and administrators at DHS. She was known for her wit and dedication. She took great pride in repairing football jerseys at the request of many Coaches like Bobby Akins, and she especially delighted in adding a playful touch. Occasionally stitching closed a collar or armhole for fun, to let the guys know "Mrs. Silvers" was thinking of them before the big game.

Her impact extended far beyond the classroom. Dena devoted countless hours to her students, particularly during the Wise County Youth Fair, where she was a beloved fixture for all those years. Her students didn't really have a choice but to have at least one entry in the Youth Fair. After all, Decatur needed to have more entries than Bridgeport. She retired from DHS in 2002 but continued teaching at Weatherford College and Texas Woman's University alongside her close friend, Jane Pemberton.

Once she retired for good, she started her next full-time job, volunteering. She worked countless hours at the First United Methodist Church, United Way, and any committee or job Martin Woodruff would find for her.

One of her greatest joys in later years was hosting "Camp DeeDee" each summer for her grandchildren. She took great pride in spoiling her grandchildren while keeping them on a strict schedule packed with every summer camp Decatur had to offer and LOTS of Eagle spirit.

Dena was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Launa Wilhite, along with more than twenty aunts and uncles, and many cherished cousins. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ron Silvers; her children, son Stacy Silvers and wife Jenna, and daughter Lauren Brewer and husband Luke, her brother Charles Lee Wilhite and wife Gaile and her grandchildren, Luke, MaryLee, and Jack Silvers.

A celebration of Dena's life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Decatur, with a visitation immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to either First United Methodist Church of Decatur or The United Way—two causes that meant a great deal to her.

To honor Dena's vibrant spirit, the family invites you to wear her favorite colors: coral, yellow, orange, or teal.