Loye "Dena" Kinnard

The Legacy

Loye Dean “Dena” Burgess was the only girl born on January 8, 1943, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Roy Sr. and Eloise Burgess. She attended Lincoln High school in Claremore, Oklahoma. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. She married Claudie Kinnard Sr., and to this union six children were born: Rev. Claudie Jr. “Derby”, Claudia “Annette”, Robert, Bobby, Debbie, and Karen.

The Life

She spent her early years in Claremore, Oklahoma working at Kiddie College where she was the kitchen manager, head cook and cared for many children until she retired after 25 years. Ms. Dena Kinnard attended Mount Zion Baptist church in Claremore, Oklahoma under Pastor W. R. Parker, and later under the leadership of Pastor L. B. Cutler where she was faithful in service for over 35 years in many capacities: Usher Board, Eastern Star, Mission, and Kitchen Ministries.

After moving to Mount Vernon, Texas in 2009 to support her daughter Karen Jones and son-in law Mack Jones launch their business Abundant Life HCS. During this new season in her life, she joined Denton Baptist Church and was a faithful and devout member and serving in the Denton Baptist Women’s Department, User Board, and Kitchen Ministry. Anything her hands found to do, she was dedicated and passionate about completing the work as the scripture says: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

She loved her church and the Mount Vernon community and was respected as a mother figure to many. Having a loving and compassionate heart she always found ways to help someone; if she had it, she would give without hesitation.

Her children remember her as a kind, giving, and loving mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals and be productive in life, instilling faith, leaning on God, and being kind to one another. She was the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman; “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is above rubies…. Her children arise up and call her blessed.”

The Lady

She was passionate about watching her NBA team the Dallas Mavericks and her favorite “Boys” Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic score and celebrated each victory. She loved spending time in the kitchen creating delicious meals for her family. Thanksgiving dinner was her favorite meal to prepare, and the most coveted dish was her cornbread dressing that everyone loved.

Ms. Dena was indeed a “Fashionista”. She loved to dress in her beautiful suits and perfectly designed matching hat and shoes; and not to forget the lovely perfectly manicured nails with vibrant colors. She cherished her friendships, developing them at each stage of life, and each was special to her. From phone calls to conference prayer calls, family gatherings, praying with her family, encouraging, and helping people in times of sadness and difficulty, she was up for it all.

The Faith

Ms. Dena loved the Lord. You would often find her early in the morning praying, reading her bible, singing songs of Zion and studying her Sunday School lessons as the scripture says; “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: Therefore, my heart greatly rejoiced; and with my song will I praise him”. Psalms 28:7

Even when her health began to decline, her faith in God never wavered, she never complained, and she believed God as her strength and healer.

The Healing

On Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs Ms. Dena Kinnard received her ultimate healing.

She is preceded in death by Her parents Roy Sr. and Elois Burgess, Brothers Roy Burgess Jr., and Charlie W. Burgess.

Ms. Dena Kinnard leaves to cherish her memory her 6 children, Rev. Claudie “Derby” Kinnard and Claudia “Annette” Kinnard of Mount. Vernon, TX; Robert Kinnard and Bobby Don Kinnard of Claremore, Oklahoma; Debbie Kinnard of Princeton, TX; Karen Jones and son-in-law Elder Mack Jones of Cedar Hill, TX; her brother, Donald Burgess Sr. of Claremore, Oklahoma; 6 grandchildren; many great-grand Children, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends and friends of the family who loved her dearly.