Dena Yancey

Dena Yancey passed away peacefully on August 23, 2020. She had just met her newest granddaughter for the first time and was so happy. Dena was born to Jo Ann and John Yancey on November 20, 1951, in Parris Island, South Carolina. She never missed an opportunity to attend an event honoring either of her parents. Her mom's name is etched in the glass of the Terry House solarium as part of the Women's Emergency Committee, and her dad, a Marine Raider who fought at Guadalcanal and was awarded multiple Purple Hearts and awards, was the model for the bust of Count Pulaski in the Pulaski County Courthouse. Dena was definitely their child. She grew up in Little Rock, attended Central High, and then excelled at Memphis College of Art with a specialty in tapestry and weaving. Decades later, she had a great time returning as a featured artist in an alumni show. Dena was a citizen of the world: she lived in three countries. She spent special time in Guatemala, had a weaving school there where she dyed her own wool and thread, and met her first husband, Antoine Launet, father to her beloved son Georges-Antoine John Launet (Georgie). The couple lived in France for a time, which only served to enhance Dena's culinary, language, homemaking and hospitality skills. As if being born a Yancey was not enough. She later married Nicolas Trujillo, and she gave birth to masterpiece number two, Lucia Anne. The couple ran Yancey's Liquor Store for several years. Dena was a one-of-a-kind mom, and a mom to many. Her home was a sanctuary and safe place for her kids and their friends (and some adult friends, too!) How many moms would allow their child to build a half-pipe in her backyard? She disguised it, of course, with her magical green thumb. She had the kids paint tiles that became part of a kitchen backsplash, and she allowed the girls to shave their legs just a little too soon. You would never go hungry at Dena's; she would serve delectable dinners on country French linens. The children remember lobster at Thanksgiving, mussels, roasted chicken stuffed with apples, and chicken spaghetti (this was, appropriately, the last meal she cooked for her kids and friends). Dena shared her gift of, and love for, art as an art therapist and teacher, both in Florida and Little Rock. Her children talk about being students at Forest Park and mom working on a mural there …Lucia remembers being asked by a reporter how the mural made her feel and responding "It makes my heart feel good." The family uses this expression often. In recent years, Dena taught English as a Second Language and Spanish in the Pulaski County Special School District. Fluent in French and Spanish, she loved her students and helped many of them outside of the classroom, taking special time to respond to their added difficulties. Not surprisingly, Lucia has a gift for teaching young children, too. Dena's most palpable joy came from her children and grandchildren. If you were lucky enough to be a friend you undoubtedly got regular photographs of her beautiful grown children and full-cheeked grandbabies, Elliott Elise and Eloise Lennon. Dena is survived by son, Georgie Launet, daughter-in-law, Jessica, and their daughter, Elliot; daughter Lucia, son-in-law Jared Morris, and their daughter Eloise; sisters and brothers, Ann Yancey (Albert), Mary Yancey, Laura Neve (Gary), Stuart Yancey (Mary Mike), and multiple nieces and nephews and dear friends. The family owes a special gratitude to Dena's closest friend and confidant for more than 20 years, Dewayne Jones. During this time of Covid, there will be a small private family gathering to celebrate Dena's life. The family invites you to pay your respects in the near future at the St. Mark's columbarium. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in her memory to Arkansas Arts Center or St. Mark's Episcopal Church. It will make your heart feel good. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, ruebelfuneralhome.com