Denise L. Harris

Denise LaCole Harris – devoted mother of five children passed away on November 14, 2025, at the age of 40 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Denise, affectionately known as NeNe, was born on October 26, 1985 to Wenella Mack and Dennis Lorenzo Harris in Carbondale, Illinois. Raised in several cities, Denise achieved early education in Bloomington, Illinois; Carbondale, Illinois; Memphis, Tennessee; and Herrin, Illinois. After graduating from Herrin High School in 2004, she received a Certificate of Cosmetology from John A. Logan College in Carterville, Illinois in December 2013.

Denise accepted Christ and was baptized at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Carbondale, Illinois. She was a very creative entrepreneur. Décor extraordinaire was one of her greatest hobbies. Holiday decorations, event coordination, making diaper cakes, anything cosmetology (hair, nails, lashes, etc.), cooking massive meals, and providing childcare were her entrepreneur endeavors. She was known to be the life of the party and had an affectionate smile that would light up any room.

Her memory lives on with her five children, Ja’Kira Harris of Carbondale, Illinois, Ja’Zarion Perkins of Highland Heights, Kentucky, Ja’Leyah Harris of Carbondale, Illinois, Ja’Quan Harris of Carbondale, Illinois and Ja’Khari Harris of Carrollton, Texas; mother, Wenella Mack of Lincoln, Illinois; father, Dennis Harris of Pickneyville, Illinois; maternal grandmother, Rose Mack of Colp, Illinois; paternal grandmother, Vivian White of Battle Creek, Michigan; three brothers, Demetruis (Adrienne) Taylor of Highland Heights, Kentucky, Lorenzo Harris-Thompson of Pennington Gap, Virginia and Jeremy Jackson of Carbondale, Illinois; three sisters, Lolita L. Mack of Marion, Illinois, Candice Williams of Columbus, Ohio and Denesha (Ricky) Harris Norris of Carrollton, Texas; Guardians, Debra Mack of Carbondale, Illinois, Erma Fayne of Memphis, Tennessee and Galon Mack of Carbondale, Illinois; Godmother and Godsister, Shawn Greer and Shiya Greer of Carbondale, Illinois; Sisterly and Brotherly Cousins, Michael (George) Armour-Tinsley, Curtis (Laura) Hubbard, Angela Hubbard, LaQuinta Douglas, Mariah Fayne, and Bralon Mack; close friends, Arrie Allen-Cavitt and Pam Graham of Marion, Illinois, Kendra and Noonie of Memphis, Tennessee; caregiver, A. Davis of Carbondale, Illinois; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Denise is proceeded in death by her grandson, LaShaun Lawrence, Jr.; maternal grandfather, Willie C. Mack, Sr. (Yap Yap); paternal grandfather, Sammy Earl; nephew, Xe’Quan Campbell; cousins, Derrick Cummins, Brandon Brooks, and Alex Spearman; best friends, Falon Taylor, Joseph Swift, Nikkie Borgan, and Jamie Davis.

Sleep on NeNe and take your rest, WE LOVE YOU, but GOD LOVES YOU BEST!

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family.

Ministry of Comfort lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.