Denise A. Owens was born on November 23, 1957, in Cleveland, Ohio.  Denise, affectionally known as “Auntie Ni Ni, Nonnie, Reese, Joy and Niecey”, she was the third oldest born to Allen W. Hurt and Rosemary Childrey.

Denise attended Cleveland Public Schools, graduated from John Adams High School.  She began her professional journey on November 10, 1984, with the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier.  Denise proudly dedicated 40 years of public service to the citizens of various cities in Ohio.

Denise gave her life to the Lord at an early age at Shiloh Baptist Church.  During her spiritual journey she was a faithful member of City of Truth where she redicated her life to the Lord.  With God at the head of her life, she joined Greater Works Revival Center, she was a woman of strong faith, she served in many auxiliaries, and she had a passion for worshipping and singing unto the Lord.  Denise later found her spiritual home at New Life Gospel Center, she served as a member of the Children’s Ministry, a true humble and faithful servant of God.  She was excited about God and often quoted her favorite scriptures “Psalm 23 and Romans 8:28”.

In the early 80’s Denise heart grew fuller as she embraced the gift of motherhood with her only son Samuel E. Foster (Goldie) to her first union.

In the spring of 1996 Denise met and fell in love with Roy L. Owens Sr, God blessed this union on June 12, 1999, they were united in holy matrimony and built a life full of love, happiness and cherished memories.  Roy and Denise shared twenty-five years together.

Denise was a virtuous woman with a spirit of excellence.  She was a strong, determined and fierce Woman who stood on what she believed and did not waver, she was one who meant business, but her advice was top tier.  She was a walking grammar and spell checker.  Being around her was always filled with fun and adventure. She was the epitome of class and elegance from her elegant home, the car she drove and the clothes she wore, her appearance was on point; she was into color coordinating and liked the finer things of life.   She was an energetic and engaged person who LOVED LIFE!

Denise touched the lives of many people; she treated everyone with the same level of respect and kindness.   She had an even temperament and was always willing to help anyone in need, definitely a giver with a heart of gold which represents the true definition of Love.  She loved birthday celebrations, or any special occasions, and was very thoughtful with a unique sense of gifting.    She was a humble selfless woman with a big heart, giver and her laughter was contagious. She was truly a joy to be around!

Denise enjoyed bringing people together. She was a woman of many passions; her love for sports, particularly the Cleveland Teams and her vibe was unmatched. Denise loved Family, shopping, singing, and she had an eye for interior designing. She was detailed oriented and meticulous. Her love of art and penmanship was extraordinary, she was an artist, full of creativity and could make any and everything beautiful.  She enjoyed her family to the fullest and enjoyed the company of others.  Family holidays were her GREATEST JOY, with family you could often find her singing.

On April 10, 2025, Denise gained her wings and went home to be with the Lord. Her new home is a wonderful place where she is singing praises and socializing.   Although we will miss her presence here on earth, rest assured that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.  God dispatched an Angel of Mercy to whisper the good news to Denise that it was time to lay her burdens down.  Denise was preceded in death by her father, Allen W. Hurt, her two sisters Patricia Garrett, Cheryl Scales and niece Michelle Garrett.

Denise A. Owens leaves to cherish her memories, husband Roy L. Owens Sr, her loving mother, Rosemary Childrey; Son, Samuel E. Foster; seven bonus children, Dana Owens, Gerald Owens, Brian Keith (Starr) Owens, Marvin (Janette)  Owens, Terrell (Angela) Owens, Tiffanie (Melvin) Hill, Donte Kyle;  three sisters, Terri Hurt-Collins, Alcola Hurt, Audree White; one brother Derrick Smiley, one  Brother-in-law George Scales Sr; three grandchildren, Shyla Armstrong, Samuel Foster Jr., and Syierre Foster; two great grand-children Lamar and Kyrie Cole; Lifelong sisters Marlene  and Phyllis; five nephews Arnell (Rochelle) Hurt, George T. (Gloria) Scales Sr., Anthony Garrett, Ernest Scales Sr. and Andre Booker; seven nieces, Carolyn (Anthony) Harris, Bernice Scales, Adrianne (Bernard) Garrett-Walker, Pamela (Scott) Lewis, Angela Garrett, Kimberly Scales, and Tiffoni Hurt. She also leaves behind a large extended family of great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and other relatives from near & far and many treasured friends whom she loved deeply.

Denise A. Owens will be remembered for her kindness, her commitment to God and her profound impact on the lives of those she touched.  Her legacy will live on in all the lives that she touched and blessed.