Ms. Denise Bennett

On a cold January 30 in1955, the late Mary (Walker) and Joe Bennett, gave birth to a Snow Bunny, named Lillie Denise Bennett, in Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, New York. After battling long term illness it was in Kings County Hospital on January 24, 2015, she was called home to battle war no more. Lillie was raised in the Van Dyke Houses in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn with three of six siblings. Lillie attended P.S. 150 where her teacher allowed her to become Denise after refusing to be identified by her given name. Denise continued her education within the NYC BOE until graduating from Prospect Heights H.S. Only taking time off to give birth to her son, Rheushawn Bennett. Denise later had two beautiful daughters Michelle and Stephanie before she continued her studies at New York City Technical College, earning a Human Services Degree. Ms. Niecy, was a long term resident of Van Dyke Houses, where she not only raised her own three children but nurtured the community. She treated everyone with the same love and respect no matter who or what situation they were facing. She was always willing to help, find a solution, listen and just be that positive motivation you needed. She had a heart of gold and her door was always open. Ms. Niecy, was always an active member of society and always advocated for the youth of Van Dyke. She helped chaperone the Sat AM V.D.Y.C.L.. She sponsored many basketball teams in various tournaments played in Van Dyke Park. Even during her tenure as TA President she helped create PANIC (Panic Against Narcodics In the Community) which she used bowling as a bridge between neighborhood youth and mentors. Ms. Niecy, had a an extremely soft spot for children especially those in need. Denise just loved children and anyone whoever saw her interact with her grandchildren would agree. She devoted many of her weekends to the baseball fields, bowling alleys, football fields and fencing club for her grand kids. It seemed as if she adopted the park and everyone in it every where she went. She lived for her grandchildren although she was Grandma B and Aunty Niecy to more than just her kin. Denise had many of jobs in her life but found the most joy working the window of Bronx Criminal Court Central Clerks Office. She would have stayed apart of that family but "shield envy" got the best of her and she became a Court Clerk. She worked as a Senior Court Clerk in Bronx Family Court until she could work no more. Denise leaves to cherish her memories: her children, Rheushawn, Michelle and Stephanie; her grandchildren, Kayvonne, Kayshawn, Miachael, Lyric, Naomi and Saige and her son-in-law Felipe Davis. She also leaves: siblings, Ronnie, Bernadine and Nigel; nieces, Yvette, Jacobi, Aronte and Shavonda; nephew, Derron; aunts Laura and Dyeane; four great-grandnieces; a great-grandnephew; her sista, Eleanor Burke; and a host of cousins, other family and friends.g.

Ms. Denise Bennett

January 30, 1955 - January 24, 2015