Dena Wetherbee Leitner

Dena was the devoted wife of Dr. William A. Leitner, Jr. (Bill), for 65 beautiful years. Together, they built a life filled with love and shared the joy of raising their two children, Leigh Leitner Thompson and William A. Leitner III. To her grandchildren, she was their beloved "Memaw," a grandmother whose love knew no limits and whose fierce devotion to family earned her the title of "Lioness of Love."

Her family often described her as someone who awoke each morning with a single purpose: to serve, love, and care for her family. With her unmistakable Southern charm, grace, and larger-than-life personality, Dena brought beauty, warmth and sassy humor to every family gathering. She was the quintessential grandmother—reading Peter Rabbit at bedtime, hosting “Camp Memaw”, fostering make-believe and dress-up games, and preparing her family with care for every occasion. As the grandchildren aged, attending their performances, sporting events and milestone ceremonies topped her to-do-lists. In countless large and small ways, she ensured that her love was deeply felt and cherished by all.

Dena and Bill’s 65-year marriage was a true love story, a testament to unwavering partnership and shared dreams. They came from small towns and together created a life filled with purpose and passion in Birmingham, living the American Dream.

Dena was the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J.P. Wetherbee, Sr., of Camden, AL. The oldest of four siblings, Dena was the only girl and big sister-in-charge to three younger brothers: J.P., Jr. (Sonny), Charlie, and Ed.

Dena graduated from Judson College, where she was selected as a Judson Beauty, and embarked on a teaching career after graduation. While teaching at Fort Benning, GA, she met Bill and became his wife. During Bill’s medical school years, Dena supported them by teaching at Crestline Elementary School, where she was awarded special recognition for outstanding teaching in the auditorium while the school underwent expansion.

Following Bill’s specialty training, the couple settled in Mountain Brook. Her community activities included serving eight years as a reader for the United Cerebral Palsy Center and Co-Chairing a Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Fundraising Event. In addition, Dena was a member of the Country Club of Birmingham, Civiettes Club of Birmingham, and Carrosels, Gaieties, and Silhouettes Dance Clubs. She enjoyed dancing, despite a husband who remains unable to match her talent.

Dena is survived by her husband William A. Leitner, Jr.; children Leigh Leitner Thompson (Charlie) and William A. Leitner III (Nicole); and five grandchildren including Katy Thompson Coffey (Matt), Claire Wetherbee Thompson, William Aull Leitner IV (Caroline), Elizabeth Leitner, and Fagan Leitner; nieces Graham Miller, Lynne Jenkins (Jim), Madalyn Pate (Ward), Dana Kittleson (Steve) and Megan Wetherbee; nephew John P. Wetherbee III; and brother Charlie Wetherbee.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. David DeAtkine, the Nurses of Enhabit Hospice and Caregivers of homeRN for their service and loving support of Dena and our family.

The immediate family will hold a graveside service at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tampa, FL, where grandson Will is training to become a pastor.