"Blessed are those who die in the Lord because their works will follow them."

In Memory of our dear Sister Denise Woerner Bodevin from Phoenix, Arizona who went to be with the Lord on June 30, 2023 after an extended illness

Denise was born in Temuco, Chile to missionary parents Rev. Raymond and Betty Jean Woerner on Feb 7, 1958. She was born on her father's Birthday. Denise could speak Spanish fluently attending school at the Baptist School called Colegio Bautista, always with excellent grades. Growing up in Chile she acquired a love for the Chilean people and eventually married her husband of 42 years, Fernando Bodevin, also from Temuco.

Denise and her Husband Fernando moved to Toccoa, GA where they raised their family for the Lord having two beautiful daughters, Andrea and Joni.

Denise also loved studying and earned various degrees in her life. She studied at North Georgia Tech and received a degree in Secretarial studies and also studied and graduated from Toccoa Falls College with a BA in Elementary Education and earned a master's degree in education from the University of Georgia. She taught Elementary Education in Banks County, GA for many years.

Denise was so very talented and very Athletic in her younger years. Denise loved to run and participate in Marathons. She was also an excellent cook and loved to prepare many Chilean dishes like Cazuela, a Chilean soup and bake delicious breads and Chilean Empanadas, a Chilean meat pie. She loved camping with her family in their Pop up Camper at Unicoi State Park and taking their vacations at St Simons Island in Georgia.

Denise and Fernando eventually moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to be near their children and continue in their professional careers, and Denise taught Elementary Education up until her retirement.

We know Denise was full of plans up till the end of her life even with her many physical struggles. She was so excited to be accepted into a Doctoral program in Education, something she had wanted to do all her life. But the Lord had other plans and called her home unexpectedly.

Denise was part of the Copper Hills Church in Peoria, Arizona where she participated in Bible studies.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents the late Rev. Raymond and Betty Jean Woerner and her sister Deborah who lost her life in the Toccoa Falls Dam Break along with her Mother in 1977 and her dear Husband Fernando who went to be with the Lord on August 21, 2020.

She is survived by her brothers, the Rev. G. David Woerner (Lou Ann), and Daniel Woerner (Lori), two daughters, Andrea Denks (Adam) and Joni Crosby , and 3 Grandchildren, Josie, Jenna and Jordi. She is also survived by three nephews, David Jr, Richard, and Stephen Woerner and spouses and families.

Denise and Fernando's ashes were scattered in Georgia at their favorite camp sight.

We will miss Denise dearly, her beautiful smile and laugh. She left us too soon but we will always keep her memory in our hearts.