Denise Young

Born on January 10, 1959, in Dublin, Georgia, Denise was the beloved daughter of the late Lucille (Hutto) and Robert Lee Maddox. She graduated from Warner Robins High School in Warner Robins, Georgia, and went on to pursue her passion for music and ministry at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville where she met and married Eric in 1980. They moved to Kansas City where she earned a second degree at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, in Music Education.

In 1985 she and Eric moved to Pinellas Park, Florida to begin ministry together. A gifted pianist and vocalist, Denise devoted her talents to both the church and the classroom. Not only did she lead worship for several congregations, but she taught Music Education at Skycrest Christian School and East Lake High School, where she inspired generations of students with her love for music and unwavering faith.

Her energy and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit led her to write over one hundred songs. She started producing recordings as early as the late 80s with Shepherd’s Heart. She went on to write and produce others including ELHS Chorus, Life’s Song 1 & 2, For Heaven’s Sake 1 & 2, and Bucket of Songs, among others. Not surprisingly, there are more in the process of being released.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life—shining through in every role she held as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mentor, leader, teacher, and friend.

Denise is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Eric Edward Young; her o’ so cherished children, Amanda (Brian) Benzio and Eric Austin (Brittani) Young; her sister, Debra Scott; and her adored grandchildren, Brianna Benzio, Isabella Benzio, and Brock Benzio. She also leaves behind a great host of extended family members and friends who were blessed by her kindness, strength, and joyful spirit.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations in Denise’s memory may be made to Shepherd’s Heart Ministries.

Denise’s legacy of faith, music, and love will continue to resonate in the lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.