Acknowledgements The family of Minister John Denson would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Joyce Wade- Hamme of Tri-county Pulmonary & Sleep, UAB & Baptist Hospitals Nurses & Staff. Thanks for all the phone calls, visits, flowers, cards, & the kind expressions of sympathy shown during this period of bereavement. May God continue to bless each & every one of you. Honorary Pallbearers Joe Bryant | Henry Denson George Williams | Percy Denson Cortdarrel Strong | LV Ball Terrill Clincy | Harry Manning Active Pallbearers Earl Denson Jr. | Curly Valentine Howard Lewis | Steven Bryant Kenneth King | Derrick King Eddie Champion | Ricky Jones Flowers Nieces Interment Union Hill M.B. Church Sunrise: October 16, 1961 Sunset: April 7, 2021 “Resting from his Labor” Services Entrusted to: Shaffer-Collins Funeral Home, Inc. “Our Family Serving Your Community” April 17, 2021 | 1:00 p.m. 247 West Sixth Street Yazoo City, Mississippi 39194 Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church Office: (662) 746-3985 4659 Hwy 22 E | Flora, MS 39071 Calvin C. Melton, Pastor | Dr. Roosevelt Barrett, Officiating Life Reflections Minister John L Denson was born October 16, 1961 in Madison County, MS to Hattie Denson and Elbert Andrews, Sr. He was brought up in love by his stepfather Richard Denson. He was the youngest of his siblings. John, affectionately known as “JD” was baptized and became a member of the Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. James McClenty. He was later called to the ministry under the leadership of Dr. Roosevelt Barrett and continued to serve faithfully with the present leader Pastor Calvin Melton, Sr. He was also a supportive member of North Flora Church of Christ under the leadership of Brother Ralph Flowers. He later earned a bachelor’s & master’s degree from the New Foundation Theological Seminary. John was also an active member of the Flora Lodge #112 where he earned his 32nd Degree. John graduated from East Flora High School in 1979 and in that same year he joined the United States Navy and served for 7 years. On July 31, 1982 he married his high school sweetheart Dianna in a double wedding that included his childhood best friend Joe Bryant and the late Marilyn Bryant. He went on to work at Boeing Aircraft Services and various other employers. His inspiration to start his own business began with his job as a maintenance supervisor for the Pride Garden, Sunset, and Grove Apartments. He stepped out on faith and started his own successful business as an independent contractor with JDs Maintenance Systems that he continued to run until he transitioned into his eternal home. John loved the Lord and served faithfully in the ministry. He cherished his wife and his family. He was a very hardworking man and strived to be the best at everything he was involved in. He had a heart for people and tried to help as many as he could by providing jobs and his expertise where needed. If you asked him if he really knew how to do something, he would quickly tell you “I been doing this all my life.” He was a carpenter, painter, plumber, electrician, etc. He also enjoyed fishing, dancing, and talking. John went home peacefully on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 2:35 p.m. at UAB Hospital located in Birmingham, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents: Hattie Denson, Elbert Andrews, Sr. and Richard Denson, Sr.; his mother- in-law: Johnnie Mae Mannie; six brothers: Larry Denson, Charles Denson, Richard Denson, Jr., Jimmy Denson, Willie Trim and John B. (Sonny) Andrews-Wells; two sisters: Ruthie Wiggins and Catherine Champion; and other relatives. John leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Dianna Denson; five daughters: Kanea (Terrill Sr.) Clincy, LaShae Spinks, Sharita (George) Williams, Hattiesha Denson and Teanna Denson; four grandchildren: Kason Wilkerson, Aiden John Spinks, Terriyah Clincy and Terrill Clincy, Jr.; two sisters: Nora Jean (John) Bratton and Ledora (Sam) Ross; five brothers: Percy (Geraldine) Denson, Henry Denson, Harry Manning, David Peterson, and LV (Glenda) Ball, Sr.; two bonus children: Cortdarrel Strong and Deborah Griffin; six special friends: Joe Bryant, Sammie Harden, Al and Terry Collier and James and Cynthia Harris; and a host of other relatives and friends. “John’s life was truly the meaning of fight with no thought of losing.”- D. Bratton Order of Service Program Guide – Michael Spires Processional ............................................................................................................................................... Soft Music Old Testament .................................................................................................................................. Rev. John Curtis New Testament ....................................................................................................................... Elder Edward Buckner Prayer .................................................................................................................................... Pastor Calvin C Melton Song ............................................................................................................................................. Danny Washington Expressions .................................................. (2 minutes please) ................................................ Anyone Who Desires Tribute ....................................................................................................................................................... Class of 79 Song ........................................................................................................................................ Union Hill Male Choir Words of Comfort ................................................................................................................. Rev. Danny Ray Hollins Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................... Evangelist Joanne Weathersby Life Reflections ................................................ Read Silently .................................................................... Soft Music Song ......................................................................................................................................................... L V Ball, Sr. Eulogy ....................................................................................................................................... Dr. Roosevelt Barrett Shaffer-Collins Funeral Directors in Charge Recessional ......................................................................................................................... Clergy, Family & Friends A Letter from Heaven When tomorrow starts without me and I'm not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today; While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me as much as I love you; And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too. When tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart For every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart. Tributes Tributes Husband, I thank God for the 40+ years he allowed us to be together. I’ve lost my high school sweetheart, my love, my Daddy “Sausage Head” in my mind I still talk to you. My heart still waits for you to walk through the door. My soul husband, and my partner for life. He was one of kind and I know he was sent just for me. The memories and love we knows you are at peace and not suffering anymore but for some reason I just can’t hold back the tears. I’m going to miss shared together will forever live in my heart. The love you have for a husband or wife is different from any other, when hearing you calling me Tiesha Monique and don’t be wanting nothing or saying Dude stop bouncing that ball because we married and became one. That’s a special kind of love, a love that is sealed by God. So, I came to realize that God loves you trying to sleep! The random dancing or bursting out singing a song, the family vacations, eating out, the jokes and you and needed you more. If my love could have saved you, you could have stayed with us forever. I love you Husband. laughs. You hollering check that water and it don’t even be enough to bathe in. You always thought you were right even I’m going to miss your smile, your laughs, even your frowns. I will miss you walking around the house calling me when you were wrong your response was “I’m Daddy” so we just let you be right anyway! You taught us so much from “Wife” and me calling you “Husband.” And when I go to bed at night, I’m going to miss the feel of you beside me. You painting to yard work etc. Teaching Kason how to ride bikes, dirt bikes and 4 wheelers. Making sure we all got up and fought the fight and you “WON”. Sweet Rest & Peace Husband: I love you Always. ~ Your Wife Dianna went to church every Sunday even when we didn’t want to. & thank you for naming me Hattie after your mother. I am glad to have had a daddy like you. You made sure everybody was straight, literally everybody and everything. Even leading up to your last days…. asking me how me & Johnna doing and even our little talks we had and you thinking of a name for her. So saddened that you won’t be here when she arrives but I will make sure she knows she was loved by Granddaddy. I know you will be here with us spiritually watching over us ALL! We love you so much! ~ Love Tiesha, Dude, & Johnna ~ Hey Daddy,