Chris Abney Dendy

Chris Abney Zeigler Dendy, age 79, passed away on July 8, 2023 in Rome, GA. She was the daughter of the late Judge W.L. and Lillian Abney of LaFayette, GA. She earned degrees from both the University of Georgia and Florida State University. Chris was recognized nationally and internationally as an expert on ADHD and executive function deficits. She was a popular speaker at ADHD training events for parents and professionals offering a welcomed message of hope. Throughout her career, Dendy served as a teacher, a counselor, a local and state mental health administrator, a lobbyist and CEO of a mental health advocacy organization, a board director for multiple organizations, a speaker, and author. Chris authored five highly-respected books, two videos, and the popular ADHD iceberg poster. She co-authored one of her books with her son Alex Zeigler, who was the inspiration for her work in this field. Dendy was inducted into the CHADD Hall of Fame in 2006 and received the CHADD Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. She continued her work and remained committed to helping children, adults, and families coping with ADHD until the time of her passing. She was beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, an inspiring mentor, colleague, and friend. Chris leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her family and many friends. She will be greatly missed, yet her legacy lives on through the tremendous impact she’s had on so many lives. Chris is survived by her two sons, Alex Zeigler (Haley), and Steven Dendy (Sandra), her daughter Audrey Dendy Grabowski (Jay), five grandchildren: Nathan and Ashley Grabowski, Hunter and Emily Dendy, and Tatum Moore, and two great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her two sisters, Vicki Abney Ragsdale (Gaut), Dr. Billie Abney, close family friend Sara Clark, and several cousins. Chris was preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband Robert Thomas “Tommy” Dendy. Chris will be buried in LaFayette, GA, where her relatives have been buried for three generations, in a plot reserved for her and her sisters. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 29th at Perry Funeral Home in Centre, AL, from 10 am - 12 pm CDT, followed by a memorial service in the chapel at noon. The service will be live-streamed through Chris’ Facebook page for those unable to attend. A reception will follow at the Dendy residence. Family and friends are invited to join anytime between 2 pm - 6 pm CDT to celebrate the remarkable life of Chris Abney Zeigler Dendy. A private graveside service will be held at 2 pm EDT on Sunday, July 30th at LaFayette Cemetery in LaFayette, GA. This will be a small service for family and close hometown friends. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Chris to one of the organizations listed on her memorial page, www.chrisdendy.com/memorial.

Chris Abney Dendy

March 2, 1944 - July 8, 2023