On September 5, 1956,  a precious baby girl was born to the union of Shelor Naomi (Gray) and Billie Hicks in Los Angeles, CA.  They lovingly and proudly named her Shelor Denise.

Denise, as she was often affectionately called, spent her formative years with her mother in Inglewood, CA, where her formal education began.

As a young child Denise accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior in California and later spent several years as a faithful member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Muskogee. During her teen years, Denise suffered the loss of her mother, an event that would significantly shape her own approach and perspective when she was blessed to become a mother.

Following her mother's passing, Denise moved to Muskogee to live with her grandparents, William and Edith Gray, who welcomed their little "Dee Dee" into their home.  Her uncles, William and Robert and her aunt Carolyn became her sibling-like heroes.

Denise completed her secondary education at Muskogee High School, graduating with the Class of 1975.  She continued her education at Northeastern State University, graduating in 1979 with a degree in criminal justice.  She was a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

On December 1, 1979, Denise married Cecil E. Sourie. With her natural love and appreciation for family , Denise was delightfully and easily received into her new, close-knit, large extended family.

Cecil and Denise also welcomed their son, Eric Rashad , into the world, creating for him a home where he was encouraged to explore, learn and excel. They made their first home in Fort Smith, AR.  After a few years, they returned to Oklahoma, making their home in Tulsa, where they remained throughout her life. Denise loved Cecil and together they grew, learned, and shared a full life.  Denise's greatest love was Eric, whom she showered with authentic, unconditional love and support.  What Denise felt she missed from her mother's early departure, she willfully gave abundantly, above and beyond to and for her much-adored Eric.

Denise was also a hard-worker who, in her early work history, was known by family and friends as Miss Service Merchandise, as she took great pride in her work for the company.  She went on to become a Third Party Debt Collector and Manager, working in several agencies throughout her lifetime, always emerging as one of the top employees. It was through these various jobs that she informally adopted many of those she worked with.  For periods through the years, Denise and Cecil opened their home and hearts to many other children…people who still consider them family.

She was a generous and caring person, giving to several causes throughout her adult years. The holiday seasons were always a time she looked forward to assisting families and children that were less fortunate. In addition, she always looked for ways to assist anyone that might be hurting or struggling in any way.

In 1982 Denise was discovered to have a rare ailment for which there was no cure.  She learned to live her life in spite of bearing with times of discomfort until 2013 when the disease began to flare aggressively.  She, with her doctors, husband, son and other family members made the decision to treat it with a stem cell transplant.  Denise had the surgery in May 2014 and as hard as it was, she valiantly fought the good fight of faith until her Creator called her back to Himself.  Quietly, quickly and quite unexpectedly she transitioned from this earthly realm on Saturday, November 26, 2016, in Moore, OK, while visiting in her son's home.  Denise immediately experienced TRUE VICTORY.

She leaves to cherish lasting memories of life with her and to anticipate The Coming Great Reunion:  her beloved husband, Cecil E. , of the home; her one and only child, her beloved son, Eric R. , of Moore, OK; her uncles, William Gray , of Desoto, TX and Robert Gray of Tulsa, OK, her aunt, Carolyn Gray of CA; The Entire SOURIE Clan; faithful family-like friends, Katera , Shauntae ', Granny, Sylvia, Linda, Ivy, Vicki, and The Moham family.

The Celebratory Service for Denise will be on Saturday, December 3, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in the Antioch Baptist Church.  Reverend Andrea Chambers will officiate and Pastor M. C. Potter will give the Eulogy.

Burial will follow in the Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee.

You may visit Denise, as she slumbers in sweet repose at the funeral home in Tulsa on Friday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.  Visitation on Saturday will begin at 9:45 AM until Service time.  The Casket will not be opened at the conclusion of the Celebration.