Denise Vernessa Thomas

Denise Vernessa Thomas was a very warm, kind and loving individual who counseled, and inspired others most of her life. She loved people and encouraged them to overcome obstacles to their success. She frequently rendered her physical support as well. Truly she was a great neighbor and dedicated friend.

Denise was born in New York City, NY - the daughter of the late Oliver Thomas Jr., and Mrs. Theodora M. (Smith) Thomas. Reared in Macon GA, she attended Henry A. Hunt, Metta T. Danforth, and Winship elementary schools, and earned her diploma at Central High School. She attended Oakwood College in Huntsville, AL.

Denise was a diligent, faithful member of her native Macon Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church; and also attended the Macon Wimbish Road Seventh-day Adventist Church. In youthful days, Denise and her brother Robert exercised their vocal talents in service to God as members of “The Young Angelics”, a renowned local gospel chorale. She later sang with “The Love of God Singers”.

She was multi-talented, with considerable artistic and academic skills. She was gifted in the areas of poetry, interior and fashion design, gourmet cuisine, handicrafts, hospitality and event planning, and business management. Her artwork often became keepsakes for others. She was a licensed cosmetologist; and certified in medical assisting & transcription, pharmacy technology, drafting design, and culinary techniques. At age 17 she was selected as the first official “Miss Afro Macon” at a ceremony conducted at the Macon City Auditorium where she performed an original skit.

Denise's skilled passion for cosmetology was evident throughout her business career, which she launched by partnering with Zelma Redding in creating “Denise’s Hairum” (Bloomfield Rd.) a full service salon. As business grew she became the sole owner-operator and master cosmetician of “Len Dens” (Montpelier & Anthony Rd.) which thrived for over 12 years and amassed countless loyal clients. Prior to relocating to Florida, Denise and her associate Jackie Harpe also catered weddings and various social events.

Denise departed this life peacefully due to natural causes on June 8, 2019.

She is survived by her mother: Theodora M. Smith of Macon, GA; brother: Dr. Robert B. Thomas, DDS (“Bobby”) of Decatur, GA; aunt: Josephine Smith of Macon, GA; sister-in-law: Angela D. Thomas of Decatur, GA; nephews: Robert B. Thomas, Jr. of Huntsville, AL and Ryan B. Thomas of Crofton, Maryland; niece: Shari M. Thomas; first cousin: Amelia T. Smith of Tucson, AZ; cousins: Jackie Seider of South Bay, FL; Alice Bailey of Macon, GA; dear friends: Audrey Philpot and Patrice Finney of Macon, GA; Robin Jones of West Palm Bch., FL; and a host of other relatives and friends.