Mary Denise Gregory

Denise Gregory, formerly of Shiloh, NC "Choir Director, Farm Wrangler, Road Tripper, and Heaven's Newest Conductor," has officially taken her final bow and ascended to the ultimate choir loft, where she is now directing the heavenly choirs with gusto, grace, and probably a few well-placed altos. After a lifetime of serving as Director of Music Ministries in Baptist, Methodist, and Episcopal churches, she's traded her choir robe for angel wings--though we suspect she's already asked if they come in a more flattering cut.
A remarkably talented director, musician, and singer, Denise had a gift for bringing out the best in others. Her God-centered approach to music transformed choirs into communities, and rehearsals into worship. She believed that anyone who wants to sing in a choir can and should. And if you were off-key? She'd smile, hand you a hymnal, and say, "Sing louder." Her choirs weren't just musical; they were spiritual boot camps wrapped in love, laughter, and the occasional organ malfunction.
In retirement, Denise found her true paradise at Shiloh Farm, surrounded by a menagerie of animals who adored her (except maybe snakes, which she tolerated with polite suspicion). Horses, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, bunnies, chinchillas, and even a pair of deer who came when she called, were her daily congregation. She fed them, loved them, cleaned up after them (without complaint), and still had time to mow, fix things, ride the tractor, and porch-sit with her beloved spouse, Mary, and a pack of loyal dogs.
Her perfect day? A sunrise feeding, a tractor ride, a thrift store detour, and a sunset snuggling with her four-legged and two-legged family. She found joy in the simple things, like laundry day in Amish country and the thrill of a roadside antique shop with questionable plumbing.
Denise loved compassionately, generously, and unselfishly, even when the world didn't always return the favor. She lived authentically, sang boldly, and loved fiercely. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she lifted up, taught, and cherished.
She is now reunited with the choir members, family, and furry friends who went before her, likely organizing a celestial cantata as we speak. Left to carry on her love and legacy are her spouse of 14 years, Mary (who loved her "D" the most), her kind brother Don and wife Sue, her amazing stepchildren, Dani (Ian), Sammi (Hunter), and Gabe (Brock), plus her Aloha grandson. Also, missing her are her nieces and nephews, Don Jr. (Jenny), Melinda (Michael), and Dennis (Michelle), and their children and grandchildren, plus cousins, countless choir members, and friends who knew that when Denise loved you, you were loved completely.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Virginia Equine Welfare Society (www.virginiaequinewelfare.org), P.O. Box 90, Studly, VA 23162, GAIT (Gaited Advocate Intervention Team, Inc) (www.gaitrrr.org/index.html), 14515 Chrisman Hill Drive, Boyds, MD 20841, or St. Asaph's Episcopal Church (www.stasaphs.org/), P.O. Box 1178, Bowling Green, VA 22427 – places where Denise's spirit still sings.
A musical memorial celebration will be held at St. Asaph's at a date to be announced in the future.
Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Gregory Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.