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Denise Edwards

August 24, 1965 - March 16, 2005
Scottville, MI

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Visitation

Saturday, March 19, 2005
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST
Heritage Life story Funeral Homes® - Stephens Chapel
305 E. State St.
Scottville, MI 49454
Map

Service

Saturday, March 19, 2005
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST
Heritage Life story Funeral Homes® - Stephens Chapel
305 E. State St.
Scottville, MI 49454
Map

Life Story / Obituary


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Denise Leigh Edwards lived life with a full heart - full of love for her sons, her family, and her Lord. Though she never had an abundance of material things, she was generous with what she had and always eager to help others. Her personality was guided by the gift of mercy, and she brought love and compassion into the lives of all who knew her.

In the year 1965, America found itself amid much civil turmoil as the Vietnam War pushed to new heights and required the service of more and more young American men. As the draft became more prevalent, rock music, writers, and students increasingly protested the war effort. It was a divided time for America, but in the home of Robert and Joan (Whitaker) Edwards, it was a time for rejoicing. On August 24, 1965 they welcomed their youngest child, Denise Leigh, into their home in Grand Haven.

Denise’s father was a member of the Coast Guard and she spent the early years of her life moving with her family to wherever he was stationed. Along with her older brother and sister, Denise spent some of her childhood in the states of Washington and Ohio, where she attended grade school. While living away from Custer, Michigan, the Edwards family made sure their children were connected to and familiar with the place they called “home”. They made many special memories during camping trips to and from Custer and wherever they were stationed.

Denise was blessed with a close-knit family. Her Grandpa Whitaker called her his “Little Papoose.” As the youngest of three children, her older siblings often said that she was the spoiled one. Denise loved to rise early in the morning, and her clamor would inevitably wake the rest of the household. She loved music and dancing, and would often watch American Bandstand while imitating the moves, often creating her own dances as she went along. She loved the spotlight and made the most of the attention it afforded.

In her early years, Denise exuded a quality that would follow her throughout her life: the gift of mercy. She was a champion for the underdog, often arriving home with a friend (or an animal) that was in need of special attention.

When her father retired from service in the Coast Guard in 1978, the family returned home to Custer where Denise graduated from Mason County Eastern High School in 1983. Among many school activities, she spent a year as a cheerleader. Denise’s first job was at the A&W in Custer. Soon after, she began working at Stokely’s Cannery in Scottville. She also worked for local fruit farmers picking apples and eventually established her own business, Denise’s Daycare, which she ran for ten years. She worked as a nursing assistant in local nursing homes, most recently for Lutheran Social Services. Denise was a hard worker, and her jobs as a nurse and daycare provider gave her great satisfaction. She was happiest when she was using her gift of mercy.

In 1985, Denise was blessed with her first son, Adam; seven years later, in 1992, she was blessed again with the birth of her son Austyn. These were the best two days of her life, and her boys immediately became the center of her world. As a mother, Denise always emphasized the importance of family. Thursday night was family night, the weekly occasion when the whole family would gather at Mom and Dad’s for dinner, conversation, and time together. This was very important to Denise, and it was a joy for her to bring her children into the tradition.

Christmas was Denise’s favorite holiday. Like Thursday nights, the whole family gathered together to celebrate Christ’s birth. In preparation for the holiday, Denise, her mother, her sister, and other family members would make several shopping trips. Whenever a jingle came on the radio in one of the stores or restaurants, she would play the game “Name that song or singer” with her uncle Jerry. Denise was very good at this friendly competition.

Denise loved to have a good time and she could always count on the companionship of her sister. Tammy would take Denise and the boys to Sea World and Cedar Point. Denise loved watching the penguins and dolphins. She was a little more resistant when it came to the roller coasters. It took some persuading to get her onto a roller coaster, but once she had experienced the ride, it was hard to get her to stop.

Denise spent much of her free time on the computer, where she enjoyed keeping in touch with many internet friends. She liked to go to the movies with her sons, and their favorites included action films and musicals. Because of the blend of song and dance, Denise especially enjoyed the musicals. “The King and I” held a special place in her heart.

Denise loved the Lord and knew Him as her savior. In recent years, Denise began exploring one of her lifelong loves - singing. She had begun singing at church and was thrilled with the positive reception of her music and the opportunity to share her faith in this way. She was very proud and supportive of her sister, a minister at Beacon Ministries Church. She always felt it was her way to return the love and support that Tammy gave to her and her sons.

Denise treasured these words, taken from Psalm 27:4 - “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”

Denise died unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 16, 2005. She will be deeply missed by her sons Adam and Austyn, her parents Robert and Joan of Custer, her sister Pastor Tammy and Ron Bacon of Custer, her brother Troy and Michele Edwards of Ludington, her nieces Mindy (Shaun) Reed, and Makana Edwards, and her nephews Daniel Bacon and Zachary Edwards. A Celebration of Life service will be held for Denise at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 19 at Beacon Ministries Church, with her sister, Pastor Tammy Bacon officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Custer. Friends may meet with her family for a time of visitation on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until time of services at the church. Please visit Denise’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to sign the guestbook, leave a memory for her family or make a memorial contribution for the care of her sons. Arrangements are being cared for by Stephens Life Story Funeral Home in Scottville.

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