Denise Hollowell Horton

In Loving Memory Denise Hollowell Horton, 73, of Sarasota, FL, passed away from natural causes in her home on February 8, 2024. She was born in Cincinnati, OH on July 16, 1950, to Wilson and Miriam Hollowell. Denise and her younger brother, Michael Hollowell, moved to Sarasota, FL with their parents in 1954. Denise graduated from Riverview High School in 1968 before entering the workforce for a career in hospital billing and administration. She was a dedicated employee and a wonderful friend to her co-workers. Denise married her husband, William F. Horton, Jr. (Bill), on April 20, 1974. Denise was an avid fan of the Florida Gators, as the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL is where Bill and Denise spent their early years of marriage as Bill completed his degree. While in Gainesville, Denise worked for Shands Teaching Hospital. After Bill graduated, he and Denise moved to West Palm Beach, FL for work until settling back in Sarasota. Together, they raised three children and were blessed with seven grandchildren. Denise retired from her position with the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System in 2006 and devoted her time to being a loving wife to Bill, mother to her sons and daughters-in-law, and Nana to her grandchildren, supporting them in whatever they needed. When called, whether late at night or early in the morning, Denise always responded with, “How can I help?” or “What do you need?” She never missed the opportunity to watch her grandchildren participate in sports and perform at concerts. She proudly watched as they received awards at ceremonies, and she cheerfully donated to every school fundraiser. She loved blessing her children and grandchildren with beautifully wrapped presents and bought a lot of gift wrap over the years! She also loved to cook and search for new recipes, and she enjoyed preparing delicious meals for her loved ones. Denise cherished every moment spent with her family, and her love, generosity, support, and eagerness to help were deeply appreciated and admired by her family and all who knew her. Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Miriam and Wilson Hollowell, her in-laws, Joyce and William Horton, and her sister-in-law, Marcia Hollowell. She is survived by her husband William F. Horton, Jr.; her three sons, Jeffrey and his wife Lenore, Douglas and his wife Danielle and Steven and his partner Megan; her seven grandchildren, Dylan, Delaney, Devin, Matthew, Isabella, Simon, and Savannah; her brother, Michael Hollowell; her aunt, Karen Goldy; and numerous cousins. Denise, Mom, Nana – We love you to the moon and back. A celebration of life is being held on February 24, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Toale Brothers Funeral Home (40 North Orange Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donations to the Cleveland Clinic Kidney Transplant Department (2950 Cleveland Clinic Boulevard, Weston, FL 33331).

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Denise Hollowell Horton

July 16, 1950 - February 8, 2024