Dr. Elizabeth Byrd Denny

SOUTHERN PINES - Dr. Elizabeth "Libby" Byrd Denny, 72, of Southern Pines, NC passed away on July 20, 2025, after a long illness. Libby is survived by her sister-in-law, Terry Anne Olson Denny and a number of cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Emery B. Denny, Jr. and Betty Stonebanks Denny; sister, Sarah Anne Denny of Chapel Hill, NC; brother, Victor Stonebanks Denny of Garner, NC; and her longtime companion, James Vincent Carneval.

Libby was born January 21, 1953, in Chapel Hill, NC and grew up there, enjoying family trips to the beach and train trips visiting grandparents in Florida. She attended Chapel Hill High School, graduating in 1971. She took a trip to Europe after graduating and then later attended UNC Chapel Hill, graduating with a BA in 1985. She later attended UNC Greensboro, where she received an MA in Psychology in 1989 and a PhD in Clinical Psychology in 1994. She had an internship at the VA Hospital in Salem, VA and later moved to Southern Pines in 1995 after she accepted a teaching position at UNC Pembroke. Throughout her time at UNCP she taught courses such as Research Methods, Abnormal Psychology, Psychopathology, and Introductory Psychology. She taught at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and was passionate about ensuring her courses prepared her graduate students to be practicing counselors. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Denny made significant contributions to her field with her research related to mood disorders, depression in particular. She also worked to help counselors develop grant writing skills in order to provide support for underfunded mental health initiatives. Finally, Dr. Denny provided substantial service to UNCP through her work on the Faculty Senate, often serving on its committees related to faculty evaluation, institutional affairs, and faculty governance. She served as department chair from 1997-2003. Her knowledge of UNCP policies and procedures was impressive and invaluable as she was a constant and steady resource for both the department and the university.

Libby enjoyed plants and flowers, and worked for a short time after high school at a local nursery, The Potted Plant in Chapel Hill, where she learned flower arranging. She later used these skills in hobbies she cultivated making many kinds of crafts. Family members looked forward to receiving her hand made Christmas ornaments and bead work jewelry, as well as many knitted and crocheted items. She also loved animals and had many pets through the years. Libby touched many lives through both her teaching and her creativity. She will be missed.

A graveside service at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM with Dr. Danny Poyner, Jr. officiating.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Libby's obituary, online condolences, and memorial slide show are available at https://www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com/