Denise Barry Gurley, age 69, entered the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. She was preceded in death by her father, Jack S. Barry; in-laws, Robert and Leona Gurley; brother-in-law, James Wesley Hood; and niece Carrie Hood Johnson. She is survived by her mother, Opal (Bootsie) Barry; her husband, Robert E. Gurley, Jr.; children Robert Barry Gurley (Amy) and April Gurley Owen (Brandon); four grandchildren, John and Miller Winford, Annaleigh and Adalyn Owen; sisters Deborah Barry McConnell (James) and Donna Barry Bell (Danny); brother Jack Barry Jr. (Allison); and sister-in-law Sandra Gurley Hood; along with a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Denise was a 1970 graduate of Woodlawn High School and was a member of Phi Beta sorority. After high school, Denise attended Jacksonville State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Business. It was there she met the love of her life. The couple was married for 47 wonderful years.
Denise spent the majority of her career working in the family business, Barry Pattern and Foundry Co. Inc., where she earned the title of President. Denise loved family gatherings, spending time with her grandchildren, sewing, making porcelain dolls and ceramics, Alabama football, and NASCAR. She was a member of Bluff Park United Methodist Church. Of all her hobbies, making porcelain dolls became her favorite. Denise made porcelain dolls for over 20 years and was a member of the International Doll Makers Association (IDMA) for 16 years. She served as Treasurer and co-chaired the annual convention when it came to Alabama in 2011. Denise was recognized with Certificate of Achievements by the IDMA, Academy of Art and completed the Modern Artist Doll Program in 1999. She received her first blue ribbon in IDMA Competition in 2008. Denise was a member of the Hoover Arts Alliance, North East Alabama Craftsmen’s Association, the Creative Artist Academy, and was co-owner of Lucy and Ethel’s Porcelain Dolls, LLC.
Denise’s love for her family and friends was evident to all. She never quite learned to tell them no, giving and serving them right up to her passing. She was a second mom to numerous children and had a way of making everyone feel welcomed. Of all the blessings in Denise’s life, her most prized possession was the gift of grandchildren. She spent every free moment with them and built the strongest of bonds. Denise’s family and friends will miss her gentle, kind spirit, her infectious laugh, and her love for others.
A visitation for Denise will be held Friday, December 3, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124, followed by a memorial service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.southernheritagefunerals.com for the Gurley family.
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