Denisha "NeNe" Noel Gatewood

Early in the morning on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, Denisha Noel Gatewood, affectionately known as “NeNe”, gained her eternal wings and transitioned to Heaven at Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk.  NeNe, Deborah and David’s baby girl, was born on December 21, 1979, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

She was an Army brat who traveled the world and was educated overseas and stateside.  She graduated from Bruton High School in 1997.  Upon graduation, NeNe began working at her beloved Ace Hardware and was a dedicated employee for twenty-five years.  She started out as a cashier and worked up to a store manager at the Monticello Avenue location. Lastly, she worked in the main office as a Procurement Specialist.   

NeNe loved all sports, be it basketball, baseball, football, golf, softball, or tennis; she enjoyed them all. If sports were on, she was watching them.  You could always hear her cheering whenever the St. Louis Cardinals, the North Carolina Tarheels, or the Pittsburg Steelers were playing.  She was a “Black and Yellow” girl through and through!  She also enjoyed playing cards and going to BINGO.

Nene’s precious memories will forever remain with her parents, David and Deborah Gatewood; siblings, D’Juana Tilton, Steven Johnson Sr., and Kristae Gatewood-Tyler; nieces and nephews, Stephen Tilton Jr., Devin Gatewood-Tyler, Joy Gatewood-Tyler, Dominque Johnson, Danielle Johnson, Cedric Tyler, Steven Johnson Jr., Donovan Robinson, and Lawrence Tyler III.; bonus nieces and nephews, Kayla Cooke, Kirk Cooke Jr., J’Lynn Roane, Aaliyah Cooke, Thomas Bartlett, Dedric Cooke Jr., D’hani Cooke, TaMyiah Bartlett, and Devona Scott;  office mom, Lisa Lane; devoted cousin, Cherrise Smith; longtime friend and roommate, Jessica McLenaghan; and an army of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at noon Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Bethel Restoration Center.  Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service.  Interment to follow in Williamsburg Memorial Park.  Ms. Gatewood may be viewed from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday in the funeral home.  Facial coverings are required for all services.

Professional services entrusted to the Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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