Joy Denise Skinner Stevens

Joy Denise Skinner, lovingly known as Denise, was born on April 6, 1958. She was the last born and only daughter, to the family of Arnold Lee and Mary Ann Skinner. The family made their home in the Bethlehem Community, where farming was a way of life. She attended the public schools in Clarendon and graduated in 1976.

In 1983 Denise married the love of her life, Donnie Stephens. Together they shared more than 42 years of marriage that was filled with love, laughter, family, and many treasured memories.

Throughout the years, Denise held several different jobs. She worked as a pharmacy technician before beginning a career in law enforcement, where she served as a dispatcher and jailer and later as secretary to the Sheriff. Denise truly enjoyed her years working in law enforcement and the friendships she made along the way. She later worked a few part-time jobs, but home and family were always where her heart and priorities remained.

Family meant a great deal to Denise and although she had no children of her own, Denise had a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephew. When her mother needed her, Denise devoted the last year of her mother's life to helping care for her. She was happiest taking care of those she loved, making a home, cooking, and simply being there when she was needed.

Denise enjoyed the peacefulness of country living. She liked fishing, visiting with family, and even doing a little hunting from time to time. She tried her hand at golf a few times as well, but one of her favorite pastimes was bingo. She went whenever she had the opportunity and especially enjoyed the many times she played alongside Donnie's mother, although she was just as happy heading out for a game on her own.

Denise was a woman of faith and enjoyed times of worship at the Bethlehem Baptist Church. She lived a life centered around the people she loved. Whether working, cooking a meal, caring for family, spending time outdoors, or hoping for a winning bingo card, she found happiness in the familiar people and in life's simple pleasures.

On September 19, 2026 Denise passed away at her home in Clarendon. She was preceded in her journey by her parents, and two brothers, Lanny and Mitch Skinner. She is survived by her loving husband Donnie Stephens, her brother Sonny Skinner and his wife Beverly of Clarendon and several nieces, nephews whom she loved dearly.