Denise J.R. DeVine

Catching the bull by its horns is a catchy phrase that many Texans used to signify courage and strength. That characterizes how Denise came into the world and how she chose to leave it. While her physical body may have weakened, her will was to please God and her strong; yet, meek spirit allowed for a graceful departure.

Denise Juliette Robinson DeVine, the third of five children of Julia and Clifford Robinson-McGill, was born March 14, 1955, in Richmond, Va.

Denise was educated in Chesterfield Public Schools and graduated from Thomas Dale High School in 1974. She attended Virginia State University for three years and was a member of the ROTC.

As a means of supporting herself while gaining an education, Denise accepted several clerical positions with organizations such as Ukrop"s Grocery in Petersburg, Va., and Chesterfield County Police Department. Through a mutual friend, she managed to meet a handsome young man who subsequently swept her off of her feet. On Dec. 22, 1993, Denise vowed to love, honor, and cherish Zain DeVine for the rest of her life. Shortly afterwards, Zain moved his new wife to Killeen due to a military duty assignment at Fort Hood, Texas. Denise soon found another clerical position. She worked for the Bell County Juvenile Probation Office for seven years. Afterwards, Denise became an employee for Killeen ISD. Specifically, she worked for Harker Heights High School as an administrative assistant.

At a very young age, Denise accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She learned all she could about Christ under the leadership of the Rev. Roscoe H. Jones Jr. at Bethesda Baptist Church in Colonial Heights, Va. While under that ministry, she worked with the youth department and served as a Girl Scout leader, 4-H teacher, Sunday School teacher, AMM Usher Ministry and sang in several choirs such as the Burnell Johnson Memorial Gospel Ensemble and the Unity Gospel Ensemble. When she moved to Killeen, she united with Zion Temple Church of God in Christ, which later became Deliverance and Praise Temple COGIC under the leadership of Bishop A. LaDell Thomas Sr. She held steadfast to the teachings of the gospel and found things that she could work on that would benefit the church. She was a dedicated Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher, youth staff worker, and leader for YWCC and usher. After several years of working in this capacity, God called her to a different work. She joined the School of Ministry and graduated as a licensed missionary in August 2007. Because she retained the spirit of a servant, Denise continued to serve as the church secretary. Denise loved the Lord and she loved God's people. She simply wanted to find things for her hands to do. Denise was a very pleasant and out-going person. She always found interesting things to involve herself with. She was a woman of dignity and grace.

Denise transitioned from this life to her home with Jesus on Oct. 30, 2009.

She leaves a legacy of love to her darling husband, Zain DeVine; her mother, Julia McGill of Colonial Heights, Va.; her siblings, Theresa McGill of Wheaton, Md., Clifford Sr. (Vivian) of Colonial Heights, Va., and Herbert (Carolyn) of Colonial Heights, Va.; two aunts, Dorothy West of Colonial Heights, Va., and Pauline Smith of Chester, Va.; one uncle, Austin Jones (Joan) of California; four brothers-in-law; 31 godchildren; a host of other family and friends who love her dearly.

Denise's father, Clifford, and brother, Louis, preceded her in transition.

Funeral services will be conducted noon Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at the Bethesda Baptist Church, 15800 Woods Edge Road, Colonial Heights, Va.; the Rev. Juanita Harrison, pastor, officiating. Interment to follow in Mount Minnis Cemetery, Colonial Heights, Va.

The family may be contacted by calling (804) 837-1143 or (804) 874-0334.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mrs. DeVine online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.