Denzel A. Ramsey (born Denzel D. Knight) passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at her home in Crozet, Va. at the age of 75.
Denzel was born on March 19, 1940 to the late Walter C. Knight and Lillian Morris Knight of Greene County, Va.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 17 years, B. Wayne Ramsey; her daughter, Valerie A. Williams (Larry) of Lynchburg, Va.; sons, R. Glenn Albert (Sandi Lott Bausman) of Warrenton, Va. and M. Blake Albert of Richmond, Va.; stepdaughters, Sandra Huffman (David) of Staunton and Stephanie Ramsey of Lake Monticello; stepson, Ronald W. Ramsey of Charlottesville, Va.; brother, Jarrell Knight (Cindy) of Dyke, Va.; sisters, Silena Morris of Standardsville, Va., Gerry Shifflet (Sterling) of Dyke, Va., Doris French (Clyde) of Charlottesville, Va., and Gloria Powell (Henry) of Somerset, Va.; grandchildren, Nicholas, Benjamin and Emily Williams, and Jacob and Lauren Albert; step-grandchildren, Helen Huffman Cash, Sarah Nicole and Christina Ramsey and Holly Jenkins. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other cherished relatives.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Walter, Thelbert Wade, Sanford, John Delford, and W. Wayne Knight.
Denzel and Wayne were very grateful to Animal Wellness Center in Crozet for the compassionate care of their beloved dogs, Chuy and Buster, that she left behind. It gave Denzel tremendous relief and peace to know that her "little boys" will be continually cared for.
Denzel's family and her grandchildren were her greatest joys. She often spoke lovingly of growing up with many brothers and sisters, and throughout the years, Denzel never forgot a single birthday, even when bravely battling cancer. Her grandchildren adored her and when younger, they looked forward to her year-round Easter egg hunts and the many stories about her childhood. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren.
When younger, Denzel worked for numerous years at Kane Furniture and had many fond memories of her time there. Later in life, she was able to incorporate her love of the outdoors into her own gardening business which she enjoyed for years. Her gentle soul and nurturing nature transpired to the abundance of flowers and plants that she kept and tended to. She spent many hours caring for her gardens and the gardens of others. After working hard each year, and even when fighting her illness, she looked forward to taking a well-earned beach vacation with her husband Wayne and breathing in the salt air from the ocean.
The desire to be able to work once again in her garden and see her grandchildren kept her motivated and inspired over the years to keep up her battle against cancer. She rarely complained and never thought giving up was an option. She truly loved living for those around her and she spread that love to others that knew her. Her kind and giving nature along with her tenacity and hard work ethic was pure and inspiring. She touched the lives of many and will continue to do so in spirit and in memory. Her strength was in her kindness, her hard work, her patience, her nonjudgmental nature and her intense concern and care for others. We will always remember her smiles that spread comfort like the sunshine she loved.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2015, at Anderson's Funeral Home at 5888 St. George Ave., Crozet, Va. 22932 (434) 823-5002.
In lieu of sending flowers, please plant flowers and care for them. Cherish the ones you love as Denzel did and as she constantly declared with work and through action "take care of those kids, your family is what's important."