Denise Evon Gates (Obinegbo) was born on March 31, 1964, at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, to her loving parents Alvin Q. Gates Jr. and Bertha Jean (Owens) Gates. She grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where she received her early education before pursuing criminal justice at Northeastern State University. After completing her studies, Denise moved to Dallas, Texas, and built a distinguished twenty-five–year career as a Police Records Specialist with the Richardson and University Park Police Departments. Upon her retirement, she returned to Muskogee, where she was cared for by the dedicated staff of the DaVita Dialysis Center. She wished to express her heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and patient care technicians whose kindness, compassion, and dedication brought her comfort throughout her care.

In her youth, Denise was a proud member of the MHS Pride of Muskogee Marching Band and served as a co-pianist for the MHS Jazz Band. She was always incredibly proud of being honored with the Outstanding Girl Musician Award in 1982. Her love of music remained one of the defining joys of her life.

Denise had many passions that filled her days with meaning. She loved to travel, bake, listen to audiobooks, and crochet blankets for the people she loved. She enjoyed relaxing with reality television shows like The Amazing Race and Survivor, and she adored her rescue animals, Frankie and Wiley, who brought her tremendous comfort and companionship. Gifted with a green thumb, she surrounded herself with houseplants, caring for them tenderly and finding peace in their presence.

She is survived by her daughter, Alexandria Obinegbo of Muskogee, Oklahoma; her ex-husband and close family friend, Chidi Obinegbo; her best friend and chosen sister, Lani Teague (Smith); and numerous cherished loved ones. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Jean Gates, and her beloved sister, Aleshia Regina Gates.

Denise will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her resilience, her dry sense of humor, and the deep unconditional love she carried for her family, friends, and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the memories she leaves behind.

A Memorial Service is scheduled, Saturday, December 20, 2025, 1:00 p.m., House of Winn Funeral Home & Cremations "Precious Memories Chapel", 2200 Military Blvd., Muskogee, OK.  Inurnment will follow in Booker T. Washington Cemetery, Muskogee, OK.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn-Muskogee