Denise Smith

Denise "NeNe" Lynn Smith

Age 66, of Inver Grove Heights, MN, passed away on July 27, 2024.

Denise Lynn Smith was born October 4th, 1957 at Ingalls Hospital in Harvey, Illinois. That was also the same day that Sputnik, the first satellite, was launched into space. Her father, Henry Smith affectionately referred to her as "Sputnik".

She began elementary school at St. Susan Catholic School in Harvey, Illinois and completed it at Kick Elementary School in Dixmoor, Illinois. From there, she matriculated high school at Thornton Township High School also located in Harvey, Illinois. Upon graduation from Thornton, she attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.

After spending a year and a half at SIU Carbondale, Denise decided to take a break from college studies and enter the workforce. She embarked upon a comprehensive career in health care wherein she worked as a Dental and Medical Assistant respectively. Later in life, Denise decided to re-engage her college studies and completed her associate's degree. Her career in health care spanned over thirty years and she was well respected by peers, patients, and her supervisors.

Denise enjoyed life very much as she loved to listen to music and dance but most of all, she loved her family, She will be greatly missed.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Louise Smith.

She leaves behind her son Duane; grandson Devin; daughter in "love" Bedie; as well as her older brother Stephen Smith. She also leaves behind her nephew Aaron Smith; 3 nieces - Stephanie, Samantha and MJ; as well as her niece in love Myla.

Public visitation for Ms. Denise Smith will be Thursday, August 15 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bradshaw (1078 Rice Street).

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 16 at 11:00 AM at Bradshaw (1078 Rice Street).

Interment at Elmhurst Cemetery.