Denise Renfrow

Denise Vick Renfrow, 84, of Rock Ridge, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Her life will be celebrated with a memorial service Friday, December 12th at 6:00 pm at Wilson Memorial Service, followed by visitation. A graveside service will be held for family.

Denise was a graduate of Rock Ridge High School, Class of 1959 and the first family member to attend college. She graduated from what is now the University of North Carolina – Greensboro in 1963 and got to work. First as a Extension 4-H Agent in Pitt County. In 1964 she married the love of her life, JG or Jim as she called him, and they moved back to Wilson County to his homeplace.

Denise owned and operated fabric shops in both Kenly and Fremont, NC. She was an excellent seamstress and well known for her talents as such. She was active in the town of Kenly. After closing the Kenly shop in 1982, she was a substitute teacher and worked with WCC to help adult learners obtain their GEDs. Her “second” career was as an administrator for the WorkForce Development program with Region L Council of Governments. She retired in 2006.

Denise embraced volunteerism and made her community a better place. Having been a 4-H Club member in her teens, she later became a 4-H volunteer for many years, 4-H presentations coach and judge, active Extension 4-H Club leader, and she guided countless 4-H members and adult leaders. Denise believed strongly in equal opportunities for all and was instrumental in integrating the 4-H Leaders Association in Wilson County. She also served for years on the Wilson County Education Foundation Advisory Council. For her efforts, Denise was acknowledged by Governor Jim Hunt as a Governor Volunteer Award recipient in 1981.

Denise made her profession of faith as a teenager at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church. Her faith in Christ provided guidance and direction for her life. It has been said that Spring Hill’s doors did not open without Denise being there. She served the church and Christ in all capacities including as teen and later adult Sunday School teacher until failing health forced her to retire. She had a special devotion to the Presbyterian Women – serving in officer roles including its President. She led the group in Bible Study at each monthly meeting and chaired numerous committees at the church and Presbytery level. In 1994, she was made a Lifetime Member of the Presbyterian Women, a recognition of her many contributions. Denise was an ordained elder in the Presbyterian church and served faithfully in that role for multiple terms. She chaired multiple committees, including the committee to create the church library, interior design for the Fellowship Center, as well as Pastor Search and elder nominating committees.

Denise was a cancer survivor and created and led a community support group at Spring Hill for other survivors. She was a proud participant in the Wilson County Relay for Life event for many years.

In her later years, Denise relished her role as the family matriarch – decorating for the holidays, hosting family parties, sharing her love and talent for cooking and creating with all. Her famous punch was a favorite at church functions, weddings, bridal and baby showers, and family events. She was the go-to wedding director at church and for many family members. She loved her role as wife, mother, and grandmother and was loved in return.

She will be greatly missed and her memory is cherished.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents Arie and Alma Lee Boykin. 

She is survived by her husband of 61 years James G. Renfrow; daughters, Meredith Braswell of Wilson and Katherine Williams (Steve) of Clayton; grandchildren, Thomas Strother, Rachel Strother Hayes (Eric), Abigail Williams, Katrina Williams, and Will Braswell; sister, Barbara Vick Boyles (Lew) of Durham.

The family would like to thank Ms. Barbara Waddell who served as Mom’s loving caregiver and has become family to all of us.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, 7246 Springfield School Rd, Lucama, NC 27851.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com