Walking with God - Denise's Story

Faith doesn’t always remove the storms; it helps us walk through them. For DDM resident and Resident Council Chaplain, Denise “Necie,” her walk with God has been one of peace, strength, and unwavering faith.

A Bright Spirit in Tucker

For twenty-two years, Denise, known affectionately as Necie, has called DDM home. She lives at our Stokes Home in Tucker, where her outgoing personality and joyful spirit fill every room. “Count your blessings!” she often says, her words reflecting her deep gratitude and contagious optimism.

Necie is a proud sister and daughter, a loyal friend to many, and a spiritual leader as Chaplain of DDM’s Resident Council. She’s known for her laughter and encouragement, though the past few years have brought seasons of hardship and healing.

Through Trials and Loss

In April 2023, Necie’s beloved mother, Gail, passed away. Just over two years and twenty days later, her father, Jim, joined her in Heaven. Losing both parents within such a short time was incredibly difficult, yet Necie’s faith never wavered. “Peace,” she says when asked how she feels looking back on the last two years, “I really do feel peace, because I know God has not left my side.”

Alongside her grief, Necie has faced serious health challenges, including a left shoulder fracture and a femur fracture that required surgery with three screws. She’s spent time in rehabilitation, both physically and spiritually, leaning on her faith to guide her recovery.

Even in the hardest moments, she manages to keep her sense of humor. “I’ve been saying that lately—the Chaplain has needed a chaplain!” she laughs.

“Peace… I really do feel peace. Because I know God has not left my side.”

Finding God in Small Moments

After her father passed away, Necie felt she needed to be surrounded by her Christian brothers and sisters for comfort, so she went to church. “God showed up for me,” she remembers. “I was looking down because I was so sad and, on a brick, I saw scripture. It said to not lose hope. I knew that was just for me.”

That simple moment reminded her that God was still walking with her, even in her pain.

Creative Healing and Purpose

Throughout her life, Necie has turned to writing as a way to express her faith and emotions. She has written many touching poems filled with hope, strength, and her personal story. In the past year, she wrote a poem for her father’s funeral, one she also planned to share with her DDM friends and family at the 2025 Resident Retreat. Unfortunately, she was recovering from her femur fracture at the time and couldn’t attend, but her poem and spirit were deeply felt by those who know and love her.

(And the good news is that she has been invited to share her poem with all her DDM friends and family at our Christmas Banquet!)

Surrounded by Love and Care

When asked about her time at DDM, Necie smiles and says she feels blessed. “I’m surrounded by people who truly have my best interests at heart.” She admits, “Well, I can be very stubborn, but my DDM people know how to work with me. I’m always going to try to do something by myself before asking for help… which gets me into trouble sometimes.”

Necie’s determination and independence shine through every story she tells. She also shared how her parents wanted to be sure she would always be cared for. “And I have been!” she says proudly. “I moved out 22 years ago, and it was 20 years too late!”

She still remembers with gratitude the woman who introduced her to DDM all those years ago, Frances Stokes, the family namesake of Stokes Home, whose kindness changed the course of her life.

Walking with God

Necie wouldn’t be the woman of faith she is today without sharing a message and a verse for others. Her favorite is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

“I want people to know that if they have a relationship with God, nothing will be too hard. Rely on God,” she says with conviction.

Her story is one of perseverance, faith, and joy. Through every loss and every healing, Necie continues to walk with God, finding peace in His promises and strength in His love.

Thank you, Necie, for being such a light and an example of what it means to trust in God’s faithfulness!