Denise Virginia Durham, 73 of Hagerstown, MD passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, at

Meritus Medical Center.

Denise Virginia Durham, daughter of the late Betty Jean Hart and Zail Henry Hart, was born on January 21, 1951, in Jersey City, New Jersey at Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital.

Nise was preceded in death by her mother Betty Jean Hart, father Zail Henry Hart, son Damien Pernell McDowell and granddaughter Brea Randolph, Paternal grandparents Ruth Cheatam and Theodore Cheatam, Sr. Maternal grandparents Zail Henry Hart and Sadie Hart.

Nise leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter: Whitney Renee Durham, Hagerstown, MD: Sister Kendra S. Allen, Washington, DC: four brothers: James McCullough (Chambersburg, PA), Zail Theodore Hart, Milton Earl Hart, and Bryson Pernell Hart (Hagerstown, Maryland), Four sisters-in-law: Barbara Ann Hart, Daphne Sue Hart, Laval (Tina) Hart and Julene McCullough. Five best friends, Constance (Connie), King, Donna Lee Hall, Gloria Winston, Brenda Rivers, and Sherry Holt. Grandchildren: Martell Harris, Atlanta Georgia, Donnell Harris, Lake Hamilton, Florida, Chloe McDowell, Orlando Florida, Sage McDowell, Orlando Florida, Xavier Randolph, Hagerstown, MD, Ahnya McDowell, Fayetteville, PA and D’nya McDowell, Greencastle, PA. Great grandchildren: Sean Martel Harris, Jr., Charles Jones, Caleb Harvey, Calen Harvey, Carter Boykin, Melan Harris, and Donnell Harris, Jr. (DJ).

Denise received her formal education in Hagerstown, MD. With a deep passion for Customer Service, she held various positions with Pangborn/Rohr, Fairchild, Merkle and Direct Mail Processing. Nise enjoyed watching sports (rooting for the Dallas Cowboys) all genres of music, especially Frankie Beverly and Maze, The Average White Band and Earth Wind and Fire. Nise’s favorite actor was Denzel Washington, commonly known as her (Boyfriend) whatever he played in you knew not to touch the remote. Family was everything to Nise; she adored her son Damien, daughter Whitney, Mother, Father, Siblings, Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren. Nise was

determined always to be a great daughter, great sister, great mother, great friend, and she loved everyone unconditionally. With a heart of Gold and a Soul so pure. Nise always lit up every room with a smile, and knew how to make people feel welcome and laugh. Nise touched many lives. Our sister Nise was the definition of a fighter, until the very end.

Family will welcome friends for a visitation 11:00 am Friday, December 27, 2024, at Harman Funeral Home, 305 North Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740, where the celebration of life will take place at 12:00 pm officiated by Bishop Curtis Ray Hayden.