Lurene Denton (3-21-12)

OAKWOOD - Lurene G. Denton, 89, passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2012, following an extended illness.

She was born January 3, 1923, the daughter of the late James Franklin and Annie Ruth Gillespie of Oglethorpe County. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who was always there for her family and friends. She was a devoted member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, where she participated in the Love in Action group, sang in the choir and served on numerous committees. She never met a stranger and was always ready to share her faith through her testimony. She demonstrated a strong work ethic, retiring at age 85 from the Oakwood Sam's Club where she worked as a greeter. Mrs. Denton was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Carlton Denton; son, Capt. Gary Denton, USMC Helicopter Pilot; brothers and sisters-in-law, Albert and Lucille Gillespie and Ralph and Doris Gillespie; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Ray Jones; and grandson Lewis Carlton Dunden.

Survivors include, daughters and sons-in-law, Jackie and Wayne Hopkins, Twin City, Paulette and David Stripland, Cumming, Myra and Bobby Galloway, Sugar Hill, and Marion and Don Dunden, Rhine; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m., Friday, March 23, at Zion Hill Baptist Church with interment following at Memorial Park Cemetery. The Revs. Scott Wilson and David Stripland will officiate. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 22, and 1 p.m. until funeral hour, Friday, March 23, at Memorial Park South Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Zion Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, 4100 Falcon Pkwy., Flowery Branch, GA 30542 or Seasons Hospice Foundation, 27355 John R. Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071,

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, is in charge of arrangements.