Denise O. Nelson-Gibbs 1960-2021

Denise was born at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, to Mattie and L.E. Nelson, on Jan. 20, 1960. Denise attended Youngstown public schools, graduating from The Rayen School in 1978.

She accepted Christ at a young age. She was a faithful member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Denise worked as a nurse’s aide for more than 20 years at Paisley House assisted living facility in Youngstown. The staff and residents loved the extra-special care that she provided to them. Later in life, Denise worked as a personal assistant to a philanthropist in the Youngstown area before she retired.

Denise enjoyed gardening, baking, cooking, listening to and singing music, crafting, collecting elephants and decorating for ALL of the holidays, especially Christmas.

Denise was the “Martha Stewart” of Youngstown. From planning, organizing and entertaining, she displayed everything with style and exceptional detail. Presentation was everything to her, whether it was preparing appetizers for guests, or beverages with friends and family, she ensured that everything looked and tasted amazing.

Although she had no biological children, her family was her number one priority. She may have been a caretaker by career, but she was also a caretaker of her family. She worked tirelessly to ensure her parents had everything they needed. Even in her last days, she wanted to make sure that her mother was taken care of and that the correct flowers were ordered for her own memorial.

She never forgot a birthday or holiday, often sending cards with money even when family would tell her not to. She was one of a kind when it came to her taking care of those in need. Caring, compassionate and considerate, there will never be another Denise.

She leaves to cherish her memory, mother, Mattie B. Nelson; brother, James Nelson (sister-in-law, Tanya); sister, Brenda Nelson; and brother, Bruce Nelson.

Her father, Llewellyn E. Nelson, preceded her in death.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 707 Arlington St., Youngstown, OH 44510, with the Rev. Raymond D. Austin Jr. Officiating.

(special notice)