Denise Harley

On March 15, 1954, Reverend Denvil Harley, Sr. and Reverend Adeline Harley welcomed the birth of their ninth child, Denise Harley. She was born in Somerville, NJ and graduated from Somerville High School, class of 1972. After high school, she attended Kutztown State College in Kutztown, PA.

Denise had a strong work ethic. She worked at Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation, Raritan Valley Community College (formerly known as Somerset County College), AT&T, Miller’s Party Rentals and W&W Public Relations.

Her walk with the Lord began at Shiloh Pentecostal Church (SPC) in Somerville, NJ at a very early age under the pastoral leadership of her grandmother, father and mother. It was at Shiloh, that her gifts of singing and hospitality were recognized. She was the leader of the Hospitality Ministry, Publications Ministry as well as the Church Administrator. Denise was a faithful member of the SPC Senior/Young Adult Choir, Pastor’s Aide Committee, Reel to Real Conference Committee, Trustee Board, and Women’s Ministry; just to name a few.

Denise was a servant called by God, with a heart for people. She held the position of registrar of Gilgal Bible School where she also became a graduate. Denise continued her quest to be everything that God would have her be. She was Co-Founder of God’s Lady Fellowship, a woman’s fellowship, established in 2014 where women were valued and made to feel special with Christ as their common denominator.

In addition to using her Spiritual gifts and talents at SPC, Denise was very active in her community. With a ‘servant’s’ heart she served others by working with the Somerset County Food Bank. Every Saturday you could find her at the church welcoming and assisting those less fortunate as they selected food items from the Food Bank. She always went above and beyond by greeting each one with a smile while serving them coffee, tea, and light refreshments. Denise was also, the District 6 supervisor for Somerset County Board of Elections, member of the Christian Ministry Clergy Association and a dedicated worker on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Committee.  

Affectionately known as ‘Yetta’ to her grandchildren and ‘Aunt Denise’ by many, Denise had exemplary culinary skills. To say that she was passionate about her baking is an under-statement!  At any given time, you could smell the aroma of an apple pie, cheesecake, coconut cake, and many other desserts coming from her kitchen. Picture it! Anyone that came to her house, never left with an empty stomach. She made sure you had a good home cooked meal, great conversations, and lots of laughs. Denise loved games such as scrabble, words with friends, spades and many others. She loved to travel whether it was a 4 hour drive or a cruise on the Atlantic Ocean. She really loved spending quality time with family and friends.

Denise was graceful and a woman of integrity. Her love for God and His people drove her to strive for excellence and obey 1 Cor. 14:40; “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Denise departed this life on Saturday, February 3, 2024. She was predeceased by her parents; three brothers, David, Denvil Jr. and Jonathan; and two sisters, Barbara and Patricia. She leaves to cherish her memory three loving daughters, Jennifer Young, Roberta Young, and Sharon Young; bonus children, Tyneka Kearse and Gilbert Reid (Sacoyah); two grandchildren, Jamai Young and Joy Young; two brothers, Richard (Jackie) and Michael, three sisters, Ruth Boyd (Johnnie), Sharon Harley and Linda Schenck (John); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Denise is also survived by her long-time best friend, Elder Valerie Haynie.

Submitted with much Love,

~ The Family

In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Denise's favorite charity in her honor. (Please include her name on the donation)