Dena Cornwell Pena White

life story

1 Peter 4:10: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."

Dena Cornwell Pena White, age 61, of Pheonix, AZ passed away on February 1, 2026 in the University of New Mexico hospital, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born on November 4, 1964, in Mercer County, West Virginia, she brought warmth, compassion, and unwavering dedication to every life she touched.

A 1982 graduate of Graham High School, Dena began her lifelong calling in nursing at the Tazewell Career and Technical Center. She continued her education at Southwest Community College, where she proudly earned her RN degree—an achievement she worked tirelessly to reach. Her nursing career began in her home region, serving patients at Bluefield Regional Medical Center, Princeton Community Hospital, Tazewell Community Hospital, and Heritage Hall. Dena was specifically trained in Emergency Medicine and Case Management. Later, she moved to Valparaiso, Indiana, where she continued her work with the same steady devotion and gentle spirit that defined her.

Dena eventually embraced the life of a travel nurse, a path that carried her across the country and allowed her to serve in numerous hospitals in the Phoenix, Arizona area. At the time of her passing, she was working at Fort Defiance Indian Hospital, continuing the work she loved most—caring for others. Nursing was not just her profession; it was her passion, her ministry, and her gift to the world.

A devoted Christian, Dena lived her faith through kindness, generosity, and a genuine love for people. She cherished her family deeply and found joy in tracing her ancestry, crafting, making jewelry, and creating ceramics. Her creativity was matched only by her capacity for friendship—true, loyal, and heartfelt. Those who knew her will remember her as someone who always showed up, always listened, and always cared.

Dena was preceded in death by her beloved father, Roy Cornwell, with whom she shared a special bond as a true “daddy’s girl.” She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Roger “Jim” White, Jr., who passed away last year. Jim was the love of her life, and her heart never fully healed from his loss. She was also preceded in death by one infant sister, Teresa Diane Cornwell.

She is survived by her son, Aaron Lynn Pena of Phoenix, Arizona, whom she shared with her first husband, Ceaser “Charlie” Pena; her daughters, Jhun Pena Benhayoune (Mourin) of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Maria “Madesa” Pena Granquist (Rich) of Bloomington, Indiana; and her six cherished grandchildren. Ismael and Salayman Benhayoune; and Zander, Cesrick, Mikaela, and Xavier Granquist. She is also survived by her mother, Peggy Smith Cornwell of Bluefield, Virginia; her sister, Donna Cornwell of Bluefield, Virginia; her mother in law, Marie White of Tazewell, Virginia; her sister in law, Rebekah Ritter of Bluefield, Virginia; Many other relatives and friends across Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio and Arizona will forever hold her memory close.

A memorial service will be held at Parkview Baptist Church, 101 Hockman Pike, Bluefield, Virginia, on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jim Drake officiating. Friends and family are welcome to gather to honor her life and share their condolences.

Dena’s legacy is one of compassion, service, and steadfast love. She cared deeply—about her patients, her family, her friends, and her faith. Her absence leaves a quiet ache, but her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

memorial service

Memorial Service

April 11, 2026

Pastor Jim Drake Officiating. Friends and Family welcome to gather to honor her life and share their condolences.