Dois Denise Larry

Sunrise 6-12-56 Sunset 7-10-23 Dois Denise (Spratt) Larry was born June 12, 1956, to Dock Spratt and Earnestine Jackson. Growing up Denise was greatly influenced by the patriarchs of the family Claude and Willie Harper. Denise attended Booker T. Washington High School where she was in the band (Majorette of course). She graduated from Atlanta High in 1974. She married Ray Cox and they had her beloved son Braddrick Montread Cox. After the marriage ended, she met and married Roy Lee Larry. For the next forty-Seven years they experienced life through each other’s eyes. Roy’s daily goal was to make her laugh. Her usual response to him would be (You going to hell for that) and then she would laugh. In 1975 she received her associate degree from Texarkana College. She joined the Linden Funeral Home family in the early 80’s. Denise succeeded her father Bragg Chism as the owner in 2008. Under her leadership she molded the staff into a family that cares for families in need. During her time at Linden Funeral Home, Denise met and became lasting friends with countless families, usually in the worst time in their lives.

Denise, like many had a ritual where she would tell her family “I love you” before bed, and they would reply “I Love you More”. For those that loved Denise, I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that as Denise entered that final sleep the words “I love You More” were whispered, spoken, and cried into her ears.

Denise was preceded in death by the patriarchs of the family Willie and Claude Harper. Both fathers, Dock Spratt and Bragg Chism, Aunt Leana Kennedy and like a brother, Henry (Theresa) Johnson.

Denise leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life, Mother Earnastine Chism. Husband Roy Lee Larry, Son Braddrick (kalebra) Cox, Granddaughters Brittney (Drew) Blackmon, Jessica (aka Amber Adderalls) Cox, Great granddaughter Mia Blackmon. Sisters Renia (Chester) Tyson, Evelyn Belcher, and Glenda Thomas. She leaves a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and countless friends that loved her dearly. To all that made Denise smile, laugh, or comforted in her life the family says Thank You.

Denise’s passion was her beloved Linden Funeral Home. She set the standards for our conduct toward our families. It was her wish that we keep it alive and serve the families in the community. Some time when the heart of a business dies the will to continue fades also. They say that no one really dies if their name is spoken. I certainly hear Denise’s voice and speak her name every day. So, the Linden Funeral Home family will continue to serve. Although we have lost the heart of our company, luckily we still have the Soul of the business, Reverend KeltonWilson: I have served at Linden Funeral Home for 23 years alongside Denise.

It is with great sadness but determination that I take the mantle to move forward in the future providing great service with a caring touch to each and Every family that we serve. We want to thank all the families who have supported us through the years. It is our goal to continue to serve you with compassion, dignity and respect.

Three: As we transition leadership, and the form of organization of LFH into Linden Funeral Home LLC., Let me thank all those who have said or did something to help console us in our grief. This includes neighboring funeral homes and local Pastors who altered their schedules to pay respect to Denise.

I am certainly no strangers to grief. In my past classes at Northeast Texas Community College, we had lengthy discussions on grief and its effects. I knew the effects of grief and have seen them with our families as they have suffered loss. I draw comfort from the examples that our families have shown as they dealt with their grief. But I really did not understand grief’s power fully until it hit me. Since Denise’s death I find myself often “frozen” by the “grief wave”; with tears from my eyes, snot from my nose, labored breathing repeating Jesus’s words on the cross “My God My God My God MY God”. Things got a (Lil’ Too Heavy PJ Morton). Although the waves may never stop, thankfully they are occurring farther apart and are less intense. I now say; Thank you Lord for letting Denise be in my life and share the joy she spread. Things are getting better (The Better Benediction ---PJ Morton).

My mantra now is: Are you alive? then act alive. Anyone wanting a hard copy of Denise’s program should send a request to Lindenfuneralhome1@gmail.com.

Thanks for reading.