Denise Maria Utsey

Denise Maria Utsey was born to the late John Davis and Olive Crum in Queens, New York on February 16, 1952. She was one of 14 children. Although a native to the Bronx, Denise grew up in the city of Hollis Queens, New York. At an early age friends and family recognized Denise had a special gift, she could dance! She loved to dance. In fact, she was so talented that while attending Francis Lewis High School in Queens, she was invited to attend the well-renowned Bernice Johnson School of Dance. She even performed at the New York Lincoln Center. Denise's brother had a friend that was in a band, who played the bass guitar. Denise was introduced to the friend, who would later become the love of her life, Dennis Utsey. There was an instant attraction. As Dennis describes it, “We were made for each other. Both of us were involved in music and entertainment. Denise was vibrant and outgoing, while I was easy-going and quiet.” The pair wed on August 12th, 1972. After marrying, the couple moved to South Ozone Park Queens, New York. In 1975, Dennis and Denise moved to Freeport in Long Island, New York. The family eventually grew to include their 4 precious children - Damon, Derrick, Danielle, and Devon. In 1977, Denise made the decision to dedicate her life fully to her Heavenly Father, by getting baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. With her family, she joined her first congregation in Freeport known as the Freeport North Congregation. Her love for Jehovah and her desire to imitate his son, Jesus Christ caused her to share many bible lessons with her children around the kitchen table. Her children fondly remember the delicious fried chicken she would get up early and cook for their lunch at their many bible conventions they would attend. At the neighborhood corner store, you would find Denise and her children diligently looking for anyone who wanted to learn more about their bible. On July 1st, 1991, the family moved to Marietta, Georgia with their four children. The first congregation they attended in Georgia was the Bells Ferry Congregation. After years of growth in the congregation, they were moved to East Cobb Congregation and remained there until the present. Throughout her life, Denise had various occupations including her first job at The New York Telephone Company after high school, working for library systems in New York and Georgia, and finally owning her own cleaning business in the 90’s, which she maintained for over 20 years. Denise’s most prized responsibility, however, was her career in the full-time ministry. She spent over 20 years dedicating time and effort to teaching ones about their Creator, Jehovah God. Denise shared her passion for bible truths with her children, whom she cherished. She did her best to raise them in harmony with biblical principles. Her love also moved her to be protective, her mother instinct operated 24/7. She would stand up and defend those she loved. All her children agree she taught them a “strategic plan” to defend themselves. Denise was a natural caregiver. Many enjoyed being in her company. Danielle remembers, “My mother loved to entertain. She could cook elaborate meals; she did not need a caterer. Her sage advice to me was ‘Never leave home looking a mess even if you feel a mess inside’. Our house was always so clean you could eat off the floors. Damon is sure his hospitable spirit, his love of music, and entertaining are all things he learned from her. She taught all her children how to be gentlemen and ladies. Derrick can still visualize her doing the electric slide. He says,” She was the life of the party - First person on the dance floor, usually she had me as her partner Denise loved shopping for bargains, thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales. She had the mind of an interior designer. With her creativity, she could transform a discarded piece into a keepsake. She used her same artistic ability to rearrange her home at least 3-4 times a year. When you would visit, you would see everything artfully in place. Some of her other favorite things included shoes, clothes, handbags, jewelry. All will agree, she looked “well put together.” Denise died peacefully early Friday morning on September 17, 2021, with her husband by her side at The Cancer Treatment Center of America. Denise will be missed dearly for her self-sacrificing spirit. She was a loyal servant of Jehovah, wife, mother, sister, and friend. Her faithful life course is no doubt held precious in the memory of her Heavenly Father. We look forward to the day when we can embrace her again under the peaceful conditions of a paradise earth, a promise held close to Denise’s heart. Denise is preceded in death by Father- John Davis, Mother- Olive Davis Brothers- Bernard, Robert, Martin, Ernest and John Jr., and sister Ann. Denise is survived by her husband Dennis, her children Damon (Andrea), Derrick (Tasha), Danielle (Jason) and Devon, her two sisters Ida and Sandra, her five brothers Donald, Julio, Cecil, Russell and Stephen, her grandchildren Amina, Ayree, Rayne, Jivon, Jaxon and generations of nieces, nephews and cousins. A Message of Thanks The Family of Denise would like to express their sincerest gratitude for all who offered a helping hand, a prayer or word of encouragement during this difficult time. Your precious efforts of love are very much appreciated and your condolences will certainly be cherished for the days ahead...