To know Denise was to know a loving wonderful person. On December 10, 1955 in Detroit, MI, on a nice cool crisp day the Lord blessed Ernestine and Calvin with a baby girl.  They named her Denise, and later gave her the nickname (Teeny), because she was such a small child.

Ernestine later met and married Jardine Foster whom became a loving step father to Denise.

Denise life was full of wonder she attended Detroit Public School and had a passion for tennis. She was also a member of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church where her Grandfather, the late Rev. Lucious Williams baptized in the name of the holy father.

Denise life continued to move forward she was blessed with four beautiful daughters of her own. Which she loved and cherished very much. Tanya Grubbs, Tamika Phillips (Joe), Shamika Watkins (Darnell), Richkia Richards (Theron).

As she continued to move forward she was blessed with 15 grands and 22 great grandchildren.

On her life journey she was employed at Thorn Apply Valley for about 15 years. Denise also had 9 sisters and 6 brothers to keep her busy. Later in her life she met and married Richard Hawkins, many years after Richard made his transition. She relocated to Oklahoma where she met and married Earl Woodard.

Denise had many loved ones to proceed her in death. Both of her husbands, her loving parents, grandparents, 2 sisters. 2 brothers, 1 great grandson, 4 brothers-in-laws, 1 sister-in-law, 1 son-in-law, 2 nieces, some aunts, uncle and a few very close friends.

Denise was called home by the heavenly father on May 9, 2025 at 8:55 p.m. in Saint Francis Hospital of Muskogee, Oklahoma.

To Denise we as your siblings we would like to say it was an honor being a part of your life.  Your smile brightened our days, your presence brought joy to our hearts. We love you and will truly miss you.

A Home Going Service is scheduled Friday, May 16, 2025, 11:00 a.m., House of Winn Funeral Home & Cremations, "Precious Memories Chapel" 2200 Military Blvd., Muskogee, OK; with Rev. Leroy Walker, Sr., delivering the eulogy.  Interment will follow in Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, OK.

Visitation will be Thursday, 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

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