Virginia P. Danenhower, known lovingly as “Dink,” passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on April 20, 1934, in Indian Land, South Carolina, Virginia lived a full and radiant life that touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.
In 1958, Virginia married the love of her life, Herb Danenhower, and together they built a beautiful life rooted in family, faith, and friendship until his passing in 2011. They raised four children who were the pride of her heart: Karen Stegall (Jimmy), Jeff Danenhower, Judy Carlton (Brian), and Scott Danenhower (Tracy). She was a devoted grandmother to Casey Danenhower (Brad), Kati Ballares (Don), Tyler Danenhower (Jaime), Cody Stegall (Lauren), Kirby Stegall (Hayden), Evan Danenhower (Tia), and Chad Carlton (Savannah). Her greatest joy was becoming “Nanny” or “Granny” to her eleven great-grandchildren: Logan, Harper, Jaxton, Theo, Ellery, Gracie, Millie, Henry, Sloan, Saylor, and Andrew. She now joins her beloved Herb and her grandson, Brian Andrew Ray Carlton, in eternal rest.
A lifelong member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, Virginia poured her time and talents into serving as the church’s director of weddings for decades. She considered it a joy to help couples begin their lives together surrounded by faith and beauty. Virginia also served her community with dedication as Media Director at Indian Land Elementary School for more than 20 years. She was an active member of the Eastern Star and a beloved figure to countless students, colleagues, and neighbors.
Virginia grew up alongside her six siblings—William, “A,” Tom, Ruth, Miriam, and Joe—helping on the family farm where she learned resilience and the value of hard work, often spending long days picking cotton under the Carolina sun. Those early lessons carried her throughout life and shaped her as a woman of grace, strength, and generosity.
Her life was filled with joy and simple pleasures: playing high school basketball, bowling, square dancing, gardening, and spending time at the beach. She loved baking cookies with her granddaughters at Christmas and never forgot a single birthday—she was a faithful friend of the Hallmark store, making sure everyone she loved received a thoughtful card. Her nieces adored her for being “fancy,” her nephews treasured her playful spirit, and everyone admired her timeless sense of style. No matter the decade, she was always perfectly put together and chic. She even found prayerful peace in the smallest tasks, often saying her prayers while ironing—and she ironed everything.
Later in life, Virginia was blessed with the companionship of her dear friend, Bill Laney. Lifelong friends who both knew the sorrow of loss, they found comfort and happiness in one another, sharing laughter, love, and faith in their later years.
Virginia’s legacy is one of elegance, devotion, and deep love for her family. She will be remembered for her faith, her warmth, and the joy she brought to every gathering. To know her was to be loved by her, and her memory will be carried on in the lives of her family and all those who were fortunate enough to call her friend.
A Celebration Of Life is planned for Friday, September 19 at 3:00pm at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 238 Fort Mill Hwy, Fort Mill, SC 29707. Family will receive visitors prior of service from 1:30pm-2:45pm. Interment will follow service at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to Hospice & Community Care at hospicecommunitycare.org.
Condolences may be made to the Danenhower Family at www.greenefuneralhome.net.