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Denise Shabazz Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 13, 2014.

Denise Karida Shabazz

November 24, 1942

March 10, 2014

Denise Karida Shabazz was born Irene Denise Reay on November 24, 1942 in Sunderland, England at the height of the German offensive, to parents Stanley and Madgie Reay. A product of the British Post-War Reconstruction generation, she is remembered as a courageous no nonsense woman fiercely devoted to her family.

She traveled to America in 1965 and worked for a family in Annapolis, MD as a nanny before moving to San Francisco, CA later that year. Against the backdrop of civil rights, segregation, and irrational fears of miscegenation, she met and fell in love with Maurice Nashid Shabazz on a tennis court in San Francisco, CA. They married in Carson City, NV November 2, 1966--A year before Joanna "Joey" Drayton (Katherine Houghton) brought Dr. John Prentice (Sidney Poitier) home in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)". They remained together until her death at 4:04 am March 10, 2014.

She is survived by her doting husband, her daughter Janet and son's Karim and Hassan. Funeral Services to be announced.

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Recent Activity

March 16, 2014

Stephanie Reay-Williams posted to the memorial.

March 16, 2014

Janet Colligon posted to the memorial.

March 16, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.

13 Entries

Stephanie Reay-Williams

March 16, 2014

To Uncle Maurice, Karim and Hassan. So sorry you have lost your precious mother. I Hope you find strength in each other to help you through this sad time. With love Steph and family.

Janet Colligon

March 16, 2014

In another time how different our lives would both have been. So glad you found me again but heartbroken we never met. All my love Janet XXX.

March 16, 2014

In another time how different our lives would both have been. So glad you found me but heartbroken never to meet you again. All my love Janet.

Brothers 40th Wedding Anniversary

Alison Reay

March 15, 2014

My lovely Auntie Denise; someone I looked up to, admired, had such fun with and had great chats with. A while since we had spoken but always in my thoughts. Rest in peace. Amen
Uncle Maurice, Karim and Hassan you are welcome here in Ascot England any time, keep in touch and love to you all. Alison, Paul and Natasha xxx

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Denise's siblings Reay

March 15, 2014

Goodbye my sweet adorable kid sister..
You will soon be joining our wonderful parents, who loved us all so much, in God's care.
Love from brothers Jack and David.

Tony & Pat Bell-Berry

March 15, 2014

We offer our condolences to all the family. We met up again with Denise at her brother David and Connie's Ruby wedding and enjoyed reminiscing about old times. She will be sadly missed. From Tony and Pat Bell-Berry

March 14, 2014

I hope you can find solace in the words found at Psalms 94:18,19 where it says: When I said my foot is slipping, your loyal love oh God kept supporting me. When anxieties became many inside of me you comfort and soothed me.

March 14, 2014

To Denise's family - I worked with Denise for years and want you to know how very sorry I am for your loss. Denise was a great co-worker; always a devoted manager and lots of fun! Know that she will live within your hearts and minds forever; embrase those special memories as she would want you to do. My heart and prayers are with each of you. Cheryl Swan

Scott Singleton

March 13, 2014

Karim, Hassan, Maurice. I am truly sorry for your loss. Denise was my supervisor at the accounting department at GSR/Reno Hilton from 1993-2008. She had always treated me with kindness and respect and made sure I was rewarded for my efforts. Your mother had a lot of class and charm and was very giving, as well as had a great sense of humor. She was a great person and will be truly missed. May she rest in peace.
S. Singleton

Anthony and Paulette

March 13, 2014

Hassan - I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I really wish we would have met this fabulous woman that you always talked about so much about. Our prayers go out to you and your whole familly.

Quint Coleman

March 13, 2014

Maurice, Karim,

My heartfelt sympathies on your loss.

March 13, 2014

My condolences to the Shabazz family. I worked with Denise for a number of years and respected her work ethic. It was always refreshing to hear her share positive stories about her family; she obviously loved all of you with her whole heart. Kindly, DPeel

tim thurber

March 13, 2014

Karim - i was so sorry to read of your mom's passing .... she must have been an exceptional lady ....take care of yourself my friend and know that my family and my hearts and prayers are with you and yours'

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Funeral Services Provided By

Cremation Society of Nevada - John Sparks

644 Pyramid Way, Sparks, NV 89431