Family will receive friends on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Smyrna Baptist Church, 1650 Wilson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207. Interment: Eastlawn Cemetery.

The Life of Mrs. Denise (Childs) Sinkfield

Denise (Childs) Sinkfield was born on December 23, 1959, in Columbus, Ohio, the fifth of nine children to Willie and Ruby Childs. On October 23, 2024, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ called Denise home, where she peacefully transitioned at the Kobacker House surrounded by her loving family.

Growing up on the east side of Columbus, Denise attended Fair Avenue Elementary, then Franklin Junior High, and graduated in 1978 as a proud East High School “Mighty, Mighty Tiger.” She spent her youth enjoying Blackburn Recreation Center and other neighborhood spots, especially on Oak Street. During her high school years, Denise met the love of her life, Johnny Sinkfield Sr., and they married on August 25, 1980, while Johnny was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Their union was blessed with two children, LeAndra Denise (Sinkfield) Coles and Johnny Lee Sinkfield Jr.

Denise dedicated over 25 years of service to the State of Ohio, most recently with the Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps and spent much of her tenure in the Department of Vital Statistics. Prior to her state employment, she worked with Central Benefits, formerly Blue Cross Blue Shield.

A devoted and faithful member of Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, Denise served under the leadership of the late Bishop Fred L. Marshall for over 44 years. She was known for her warm yet firm presence as an usher and Vice President of the Usher Board, welcoming all who entered with a loving smile and a watchful eye. Denise was also deeply involved in the church’s Pastor’s Anniversary Committee, where she served as treasurer, ensuring funds were managed faithfully during countless fundraising events. Her dedication to hospitality and service made her a pillar of the church community. As an active member of the Women’s Department, Denise looked forward to joining the annual Women’s Day Choir each year, singing her heart out in joyful worship. Her faith, service, and spirit of warmth and generosity will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.

Denise loved her family and friends deeply, often bringing everyone together for holiday dinners, summer cookouts, or any occasion that called for good food and good company. Her famous fried chicken, fish, and macaroni and cheese will be missed as much as the laughter and love she shared. Denise held a special place in the hearts of nieces, nephews, bonus daughters and sons, friends, sisters, and grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Aunt Denise,” “Mama D,” “Big Niecy,” “Niecy” “Granny” “Boo-Boo” and “NANA.”

Denise was preceded in death by her beloved husband Johnny Lee Sinkfield Sr.; her father, Willie Childs; her mother, Ruby May Childs; her maternal grandparents, Benny, and Ludie Sims; and her paternal grandmother, Alma Mack.

Her memory is cherished by her daughter LeAndra (Joseph) Coles; son Johnny Lee Sinkfield Jr.; grandchildren LaRenz, Joseph, and Kennedi Coles; brothers Ben J. Childs and Terry (Thelma) Childs; sisters Yvonne Willis, Vickie Childs-Schoby, Phyllis (Bill) Bright, Deborah Dickerson, Tracy Childs, and Pamela Childs; aunt Eddie Ruth Sims; sisters-in-law Dorothy, Gwen, Mary Louise, Anna, and Maryann(Troy); brother-in-law John; The Coles-Wallace Family and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; special friends; and her extended family at the Department of Vital Statistics with the State of Ohio Department of Health.

Denise was a remarkable woman whose kindness, love, and beautiful smile will be cherished forever. Though we mourn her loss, we find comfort in knowing that heaven has gained a beloved soul. Gone too soon, Denise will never be forgotten.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a CROWN of righteousness. – II Timothy 4:7-8

“To GOD be the Glory”