Denise Yvonne Martinson

A true example of Proverbs 31, Denise Yvonne Martinson, 71, of Grand Prairie, Texas went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. She devoted herself gracefully and faithfully, bringing sweet order to our lives and exemplifying the woman of Proverbs 31. Her children truly rise up and call her blessed.

Denise was born on October 14,1951 in Kansas City, Missouri to Clarence and Evelyn Simms. She grew up in Independence and graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1969. She went on to study at and graduated from Baptist Bible College in 1971, where she met the love of her life, Richard Martinson. They married on July 24,1971 and were together nearly 41 years until Richard passed away.

Denise was a woman of faith and an unceasing prayer warrior whose belief in God was evident in everything she did and said. She was funny, extremely kind and always saw the positive in everyone. Denise’s greatest joy was being a homemaker and raising her 5 children. She loved singing and music, was an avid reader, adored fall foliage and bluebonnets, and really enjoyed connecting with old friends on Facebook. But her greatest love was spending time with her family. She was her family’s biggest cheerleader, providing encouragement, no matter how small the task. Denise's favorite pastime was talking to anyone who would listen, about her 5 children, 3 sons-in-law, 11 grandchildren, and multiple granddogs. She was always so proud of her family’s accomplishments.

Denise loved the Lord her God with all her heart, mind, and soul, and loved her family more than life itself. Her faith and love for her family were the hallmarks of her character and life. Throughout her life, she shared the unique gift of love with all who came into contact with her. This was especially evident when any of her children’s friends spent time at their house over the years. Denise referred to these special friends as her “adopted” children. At the time of her death, many of these "adopted" children were still a part of her life.

Denise was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Martinson, and her parents, Clarence and Evelyn Simms. Denise is survived by her sister, Donna del Villar of Boulder City, Nevada; brother, Darryl Simms and his wife Cathy of Raymore, Missouri; brother, Douglas Simms of Independence, Missouri; son, Eric Martinson, and grandsons Dalton, Caleb, and Joshua of Grand Prairie, Texas; daughter Beth Jennings and her husband, Jaceson, and grandchildren Emersyn, Hadleigh, Landree, Talon, Penelope, and Peyton of Midlothian, Texas; daughter, Jill Littleton and her husband, Tim of Glenn Heights, Texas; son, Corey Martinson of Grand Prairie, Texas; daughter, Kara Koelsch and her husband, Daniel, and granddaughters, Emma and Everly of Heartland, Texas.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Crosspoint Church of Christ, 3020 Bardin Road, Grand Prairie, Texas, 75052. Visitation will also be held from 11:30am until service time at the church. Interment will follow at 2:30pm at Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens, 3001 S. Belt Line Road, Grand Prairie, Texas, 75052.

Pallbearers are Eric Martinson, Corey Martinson, Jaceson Jennings, Daniel Koelsch, Tim Littleton, and Justin McClintick