Denise Thorne

Denise Thorne passed away on August 5, 2023. She was 63 years old. Born in the Bronx, NY to Dora Thorne and Manuel Gilyard. Denise was the youngest of three children.

Denise had a remarkable career with the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Service in Manhattan as a Keyboard Specialist. Her commitment to her work was unwavering, and she tirelessly served her community with great dedication and integrity. Her contributions to the department left a lasting impact and set an example for others to follow.

Denise received her education from Grace Dodge High School, and received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from The College of New Rochelle. Throughout her life, she demonstrated a strong work ethic and a nurturing nature. These traits not only influenced her professional life but also endeared her to her family and friends.

Family was of paramount importance to Denise. She leaves behind her daughters Shyvonne and Shirelle, as well as her granddaughter Cheyanne and her Son-in-law Antoine. Aunt to Justin and Daesia. They were the light of her life and brought immense joy to her heart. Denise will be missed by her sisters Sandra, Bridgette, and Lorna. Her significant other Earl. Her really good friend Vernon. She will also be missed by a plethora of friends. 

To honor Denise's memory and pay tribute to her incredible life, visitation services will be held on August 15, 2023. The visitation will take place at Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Ave., Pelham, NY 10803 from 09:00 AM to 10:30 AM. A funeral service will follow the visitation from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Friends, colleagues, and loved ones are encouraged to come together during this time of remembrance.

Following the visitation service, burial services will be held at Forest Green Park Cemetery in Marlboro, NJ. The burial will take place at 535 Texas Rd, Marlboro, NJ 07751, at 01:30 PM. 

Denise will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and wonderful friend. She will forever be loved: however, her family finds comfort in the many treasured memories she leaves behind.

“Denise Thorne my beautiful Black Butterfly”

My name is Sandra, or as Thorne (my name for her) affectionately
called me missy pooh or mother, when I reminded her about taking
care of herself and not being afraid to put herself first, as I often did.
Nothing is coincidental, it was destined for Denise and I to be in each
other’s lives. Just to show you how God works. My mom and Thorne,
were 10yrs apart and knew each other from childhood. They grew up
in the Bronx on168th street in College Avenue. As life would have it,
they moved apart and went their separate ways. Who would of thought
years later in October of 1988, Denise and I lives would cross paths.
Although, she was nine years older than me, our lives became one
sound, one beat from that point on. We were sister’s mind, heart and
soul. We shared our trials, tribulations, family, family matters and our
darkest secrets.

Who is Denise Thorne to me? Denise was and is a sister God gave me
and my heart choose to keep. When I tell you, that we were the
epitome of family, doesn’t always come from blood. There’s nothing
she nor I, wouldn’t do for one another and I place emphasis on nothing.
Denise, had a heart and a kindred spirit, kin to mine. I was and am the
nasty to her sweet. She was selfless, understanding, sweet,
compassionate, jovial and loved hard. Even those that didn’t deserve
it. She was proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness and
still become something beautiful, which she was, inside and out.
Thorne and I we’re a vein and artery, one isn’t good without the other.
Spirit to Spirit and heart to heart, we will forever be sister’s together
and apart. So, soar my beautiful black butterfly, spread your wings and
let everyone see your beauty! I love you, your sister Sandra!