On December 8th, 2024, Denise Cooper Clayton, 63, peacefully found rest in the arms of the Almighty.

Denise was born on July 22, 1961, in Newport News, VA, and was the second of five children. Denise attended Newport News public schools and graduated from Menchville High School in 1979. After high school, she pursued higher education at Christopher Newport University, where she graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She then worked for the City of Newport News and a home health agency.

She attended Riverside Nursing School and graduated as a registered nurse. She went on to work at Riverside Hospital and later spent several years at various dialysis centers. In 1998, she gave birth to her only son, Daniel, in Newport News, Virginia.

Denise would go on to  meet Ivory Jones, and the two were married in 2005.

In 2007, Denise graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. In 2009, She would go onto work as a school nurse, and worked as a nurse in various schools until her retirement in 2022.

Even after retirement, Denise still remained committed to serving others, working as a substitute teacher and volunteering in the community. Denise left a legacy on all who knew her. Her love and compassion transformed the lives of many students, patients, and friends.

For over 20 years, Denise was a faithful member of Bethel Temple Church. She could always be counted on at any prayer meeting, served in the children's ministry, and regularly volunteered at church where needed.

Denise was an avid reader, enjoyed watching The 700 Club and the Hallmark Channel, and loved listening to worship music. She had a passion for crocheting and worked with her Pearl Bailey Library group to make scarves and hats for those in need during the winter season.She cherished spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandson.

Denise now peacefully awaits in heaven when she will be reunited with her beloved survivors Ivory Jones (husband), Daniel Clayton (son), Caleb Clayton (grandson), Calvin Cooper, Sr. (brother), Deborah Davis (sister), Dan Cooper (brother), Angela Burrell (sister), and numerous family members and friends. Denise was preceded in death by her mother, Ada Buchanan, and father, Dan Cooper.

Funeral service will be held at 12 PM on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Church of Jesus, 630 Anderson Lane, Hampton.  Viewing will be from 3-6 PM on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at the funeral home and two hours prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Bethel Temple Church 1705 Todds Lane, Hampton, VA 23666.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.