Denise S. Carelock

Denise Smith Carelock, 69, of Springfield, MA, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on October 7, 1955, she was the beloved daughter of the late Dorothy (Taylor) Smith and Fitzgerald Smith and step-father, Edwin (Spagett)Young. Denise was raised in White Plains, NY, and graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. She moved to Springfield to continue her education and graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Psychology degree from Springfield College. She married Joe A. Carelock, Jr. in 1994 and was happily married until his death in 2019.
Denise was employed at the Urban League of Springfield and the Hampden County District Attorney Office until she retired. She loved to listen to jazz music, going on vacations cruises, sitting on beaches, and eating seafood. She was a dog lover and found much comfort in her last days when her pal "Delta" came to visit her.
Denise was predeceased by her parents and husband. She leaves to cherish her memories her Sisterhood of friends: Michele Byers, Aleana M. Laster, Venorise Griffin, and Andrea Goodman, all of Springfield; 2 step-sons, Nicholas Carelock and Justin Carelock, both of Springfield; 4 grandchildren, Savannah, Nicolas, Noah, and Nailani; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Carelock and Beverly Carelock; and brothers-in- law, Ronnie Carelock of Atlanta, GA, and Kenny Carelock of Springfield, MA.
A memorial wake will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2025, at Harrell Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at noon.
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