Denise was raised in North Philadelphia by her parents Clarence and Netty Mae Chaney. She was the baby of the family, always following behind her big sister Bernice. She attended Philadelphia Public schools for her education and was granted scholarships to attend college. Soon after, Denise met her soulmate, Rickey Johnson. They spent the remainder of their lives together, passing away just 17 days apart. Hardworking is one of the best word to describe Denise. She worked for a slew of establishments beginning as a child at working at  Miltons, on to the US Military as a secretary where she spent many of her years, she also worked for the School District of Philadelphia, nursing homes, group homes, number houses, and as a home health aid for her late husband, Rickey. Her favorite place of employment was the Hyatt hotel, where she shared many laughs and made lots of friends. Denise was a ball of energy. She was always on the go, always hustling, and always smiling. Denise was so very full of life. Although she was no stranger to hard work, Denise was dedicated to fun! She'd take solo trips out of state, ride the highest amusement park rollercoasters, and she knew how to make her own one person party. She lived everyday as if it was her last. Denise was preceeded in death by her husband Rickey Johnson and her mother Nettie Mae Chaney. She leaves behind her father, Clarence Chaney; her 3 daughters, Nicole, Ericka, and Rickea; her two step children, Tonya and Errick; 4 grandchildren, Jahmier, Nash, Noah, and Emani Lee; one sister, Bernice Bonaparte; her brother, Clarence Jr., 2 nephews, Joshua and Gregory Jr.,  her uncle, Jose Slater, and her second family, her in laws, The Johnsons.