Denise Margaret

Dillon

Denise Margaret Dillon was born on January 10, 1972, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Mary Joyce Lamb and Jack Schoettle. Denise departed from this life on November 9, 2026 after battling small cell lung cancer.

As a young girl, Denise's family made the move to Livingston, Tennessee, where she would eventually build a life surrounded by family, friends, and the people she loved.

Throughout her life, Denise held several different jobs, but her passion was the same: serving people. Before retiring, Denise proudly worked with women seeking shelter and safety from domestic abuse. She took pride in being someone others could turn to during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Her compassion and willingness to help others were a true reflection of the person she was.

Denise was deeply adored by her husband, Mark. Although the two first met in high school, life had other plans, and it wasn't until later in life that their paths came together again. What began as a familiar connection grew into a beautiful love story. They married in 2009, blending two families into one and building a life together filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. Mark and Denise shared 17 loving years of marriage.

To her children, Denise was a rock. She was the person they could call at any hour, for any reason, knowing she would be there without hesitation. Whether they needed a helping hand, a listening ear, advice, or simply their mom, Denise always showed up. Her love was steady, dependable, and unconditional. And, of course, she had a way of showing that love through food. Denise was quite the cook, and feeding the people she loved was one of her favorite ways to bring everyone together. She had several dishes she was "famous" for, meals that will forever bring back memories of her.

Above all else, Denise's pride and joy were her grandchildren. They held a special place in her heart and brought her a happiness that words could never describe. She treasured each of them, loved watching them grow, and took great joy in being their "Nanta," "Nanny Ne," and "Nana." The memories made with her grandchildren will live on in the stories shared, the traditions carried forward, and the love she instilled in each of them.

Denise also enjoyed the simple pleasures and adventures that made life special. She loved making crafts and creating things with her hands, riding motorcycles, camping, and spending time caring for her chickens. Denise found happiness in doing the things she loved and sharing those moments with the people closest to her.

Denise was a woman who was never afraid to be herself. She was outspoken, strong-willed, and certainly stubborn when she wanted to be. But, she undoubtedly had a generous heart. Denise brought her own kind of energy into every room, filling it with laughter, conversation, and plenty of personality. She was one of a kind, and those who knew her best wouldn't have wanted her any other way.

Denise leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, strength, and devotion to family. She will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother, caring daughter and sister, and a friend to many. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave and the memories she created will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

Denise was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Kelly "Buster" and Margaret Pennington; paternal grandparents, Lee and Dorothy Schoettle; stepmother, JoAnna Kay Schoettle; parents-in-law, Bill and Nora Dillon; and nephew, Jeffery P. Coy.

Denise leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband, Mark Dillon; son, Michael (Jana) Greenwood; daughter, Jada (Dale) Greenwood-Cook; son, Brandon Dillon; daughter, Ashland (Payton) Stonemetz; and her beloved grandchildren, Aubrey, Colt, Layla, Gavin, Peyton, Cannon, Memphis, Skyler, Eleanore, Liam, and Etta.

She is also survived by her mother, Mary Joyce (Scott) Lamb; father, Jack Schoettle; brother, Robbie (Amy) Schoettle; sisters, Jennifer (Zack) Shaw, Vickie (Jon) Coy, and Tami Eldridge; bonus brother, Jerry Burton; and nieces and nephews, Karley, Kennedy, Landon, Lily, Barrett, Levi, Brian, Amy, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Christopher, Jonathon, Keara, Maeve, Deirdre, Alaina, Matthew, Brayden, and Brandon, along with a host of other loving family members and dear friends.

Denise's life was measured not simply in years, but in the love she gave, the people she helped, the laughter she shared, and the family she cherished. She lived life in her own way, loved fiercely, spoke honestly, and gave generously. Her strong spirit, unmistakable personality, and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Visitation will be held in the chapel of Hall Funeral Home on Saturday, November 14, 2026 starting at 11am until time of service at 3pm.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 3pm with Brett Knight officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Small Cell Lung Cancer research (Lungevity.org).