Mrs. Denise Hope Oxendine Locklear, of Maxton, NC, was born on July 28, 1961. She departed this life and went to be with the Savior on November 27, 2024 following an extended illness, completing her 63 year journey in this life.

Denise was the daughter of the late William Daniel Oxendine Sr. and Mary Lee Strickland Oxendine. She was a devout Christian and member of Harpers Ferry Baptist Church from a young age. Denise was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished sister, and a proud grandmother. She dedicated over 20 years to Robeson Health Care Corporation where she filled multiple roles throughout her career, but was particularly fond of her involvement in community outreach. As an Herbalist, she found great joy in helping others with the ointments and tinctures crafted from her garden. Denise was known for her love of storytelling, the happiness that she created with her unique personality, and unwavering care for the wellbeing of her friends and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William D. Oxendine Sr. and Mary Lee Strickland Oxendine; her brother, William D. Oxendine Jr.; her sister, Pamela Jean Locklear (Delton), and brother-in-law, Terry Delane Locklear.

She is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Michael Locklear, of Maxton; children, Mikayah Rhianna Locklear, Kerston Tate Locklear, Davis Soloum Smiling Jr. “D.D.”, all of Maxton; and Jessica Leigh Edwards, of Shallotte; two sisters, Debbie Anne Thompson (Marshall), Sibyl Zena Oxendine (Jesse Clark), both of Maxton; grandsons: Isaiah Eller, Bradley Keener, Zachery Keener, Justin Blue II, Jordan Blue, Justice Blue; granddaughter, Jayde Keener; great-grandson, Rhetlee Kinlaw; and a special cousin, Dawn Locklear.

Funeral arrangements will be held at Harpers Ferry Baptist Church located at 1549 Harpers Ferry Road, Maxton, beginning with visitation at 1 p.m. and services starting at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Burial will follow in Harpers Ferry Cemetery No. 2.