Denise Bess Rollins

Denise Bess Rollins was born November 12,1953 in the Bronx, New York. She was the second in four children born to Alice Smith and Pelmon Richardson. Denise was given the middle name of Bess after her maternal grandmother. She grew up in the South Bronx for most of her life.
Denise’s finest childhood memories included visiting her grandmother in northern New Jersey with all of her cousins and growing up on Cauldwell Ave. in the Bronx. She particularly enjoyed the annual barbecue hosted by parents of Cauldwell and along with past and present residents who continue to keep this tradition going for the past 30 years.
Denise attended all her years of schooling in the Bronx. One of her school encounters led her to the love of her life Demetrius Rollins. An unlucky exchange with his brother, Ronnie led to a fight in class. After school, Denise arrived home and proceeded to tell her mother Alice about the fight. They went straight to Ronnie’s home to speak with his mother, Rebecca. While waiting for the mothers to chat, Denise saw Demetrius in the kitchen. Although the two did not connect at that moment, they eventually began dating in high school and married on October 21, 1970, in a small church ceremony.
A year after marriage, the two welcomed their first son, Demetrius Junior., followed by Damon, Derrick and their favorite child Devon. Denise and Demetrius raised their kids on Cauldwell until 1982, when they moved to Park Ave. In 1999, they decided to move to Central Islip, Long Island.
The move was a new opportunity that gave the family a new outlook on life, Denise and Demetrius settled in a home not only built to meet their needs but the special needs of their daughter Devon. Denise was the matriarch of the family, and she quickly became the matriarch of Powell Avenue. Every neighbor became family and could count on Denise for anything. Denise began new adventures getting her driver’s license and returning to the workforce. However, throughout her endeavors, Denise’s main focus remained being the caregiver for Devon.
Denise’s priority in life was always helping others: if she had they had. She enjoyed hosting barbecues for family and friends in her home. Her hobbies included crocheting blankets and scarves, making diamond art and persuading everyone to have fun. Denise will always remain the heart of our family, Her legacy continues as leaves behind her husband of 51 years Demetrius Rollins: children Demetrius Jr., Damon (Millie) , Devon, Derrick: Grandchildren Shawniece, Zamel, Dominique, Theresa, Zana, Deonn, Zanida, Devon,Damon Jr. and Zanetta: Great grandchildren Zoe, Zair, and Zakai: Siblings Brenda, Paul (Jimm Paul), Marc Richardson; nieces Chyna, Tina and Cynadia, Haneefah, Malcolm, David, Kareem Keisha and a host of nieces and nephews.
Welcome her into heavenly journey she has her father Pelmon, mother Alice, her godfather Daddy Aston, her brother Glenn, her niece Sherrie.
The Memories made with Denise, Denny, Grandma Denny will remain in our hearts forever. Missing her presence will be painful but overtime she will help ease our hearts by covering us with the presence of her spirit as we move through each day.