It was on this date, July 19, 2015 that my baby sister, Rita Denyse Lee Pack passed away after a months' long battle with colon cancer. She was 49-years old leaving three children, Breanna, Molly and Wyatt, and devoted husband, Irving Lee Pack, as she went to her eternal reward way too soon.
Denyse was born on September 7, 1965. I turned 10-years old 18-days after she was born. Mom worked full-time and after a brief recovery period went right back to work while my other sister, Doreen, two-years younger than me, were often entrusted with the care of this little one who had graced our home.
In many ways Denyse, or "Neecy" as we came to call her, was my first baby. By the time I turned 12 Momma had taught me how to wash clothes in the "big" washing machine, feed Neecy, change her and fix meals for us. Denyse is one of the reasons I grew up loving the little ones, especially the babies. I've told many folks at church that I would come every Sunday just to see the babies.
When I would come home from school she would be waiting for me at the front door. She would sit on my foot, wrap her arms around my leg and hang for dear life, giggling while I walked through the house. These would eventually become things that I would do with my own girls.
Doreen went home to be with the Lord on October 9, 2022, just a few months shy of her 65th birthday.
Momma passed on March 3, 2010. With my father's passing on June 28, 2026 and both sisters having already passed on, I am the last of my immediate family to remain. If you have read my other articles you know that I have been estranged from my biological children and grandchildren since January 2016.
I am grateful for the second chance and family granted to me by the Grace of God. If not for them I would be totally alone on this Earth. I think some would have been delighted with that outcome, but God has a plan for us all. I'm doing my best to walk with the Lord and to fulfill the destiny He has for me.
To Momma, Doreen, Denyse, Pop and all my friends who have passed on before me... I will see you on the other side.