March 8, 1953 - September 4, 2025

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Denise Boyd Summerour was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 8, 1953, to her loving parents, Lillian Summerour and David Summerour. She was raised in faith at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church under Pastor James W. Jones and later became a devoted member of New Friendship Baptist Church under Pastor Harley Harvey.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Richard Boyd; her parents, Lillian Summerour and David Summerour; and her siblings, Selma Alston, Troy Freeman, Thomas Robinson Jr. and Saundra Robinson Whipple.

Denise leaves to cherish her memory: her siblings, Deidre Robinson Merritt, Vanora Ballew, David Gregory Summerour, Shyrryll Broglin and Michael Summerour. She will forever be remembered by her children: Lillian Funnye, Latisha Parrish and Mark Summerour. She also lovingly embraced her “bonus babies”: Demetrius Andrews (Ashleigh), Melody Quinn, Carmen Colbert, Mark Ward and Andrea Lewis.

She also leaves behind, the father of her children, Virgil Parrish with whom she remained lifelong friends. Her last words to him were a heartfelt request: “Take care of our babies.”

Her greatest joy was her grandchildren: Mark Summerour, Jr., Markita Harrell, Ciera Chandler, Lyndelle Boyd, Shakeil Boyd, Kyana Lenon (deceased), Shantoni Henley, Eboni Summerour, Lamarcus Summerour, Yumari Ford, Denisha Dodge-Summerour, Lanise Lindsey, Curtis Lindsey, Leaesha White (Andre), Jamilla Newberry (Robert), Deshawn Manley (Tiara) and Raymont Chambers. She also leaves behind many friends, cousins, nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren who will forever carry her love in their hearts.

Denise lived a life of service, love and joy. She began her career in cosmetology before dedicating herself to caring for children with disabilities. She had a deep love for her com- munity, especially her Zone 15 family — never missing a meeting or lunch, always mentoring and encouraging youth and keeping snacks ready for any child in need.

She was truly a people person who loved life and built lasting friendships wherever she went. Affectionately known as “Big Mama” — a name she proudly preferred over “grandma” — Denise embodied strength, kindness and joy. She loved traveling, spending time with her family, enjoying her cars and treating everyone with respect and warmth. Her laughter, generosity and unshakable spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

She was strong and determined to the very end. She planned her own services, even down to the colors we are wearing today. She made sure her affairs were in order before leaving this world, showing the same courage and grace in her passing that she carried through- out her life. Denise was recently diagnosed with cancer in July and passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, with her sister, Deidre Merritt, lovingly by her side.

Lavender and white were Denise’s favorite colors — lavender representing her grace and calming presence, and white reflecting her pure heart and peaceful rest. Today, we wear these colors in her honor, celebrating the beauty of her life and the legacy she leaves behind.

"A precious one from us is gone, A voice we loved is still. A place is vacant in our home, Which never can be filled. And after a lonely heartache, And many silent tears; There’s always a beautiful memory, Of one we loved so dear."