Denise Michele Belk was born January 15, 1980 to Roger and Barbara Belk of Sapulpa. Denise was a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a teacher and a friend to all.
As a child we are told to let your light shine. Denise’s light shone, even when she was ill, and her radiant smile will remain a lighthouse for her family and friends.
Denise was undoubtedly greeted at Heaven’s Gates by so many, but none more important to her than her father, Roger Belk and her grandparents, Sapulpa residents, Travis and Juanita Belk.
Denise left behind her mother, Barbara Belk, her fur babies Sophie and Gus, her sister, Dana Belk Harris, her brother in law, Chad and her sweet nephews and niece. Gretchen Belk Creason was truly a sister to her as well.
Sapulpa has been a huge part of Denise’s life. She was actually born at Bartlett Hospital in Sapulpa and raised in church, attending First Assembly of God Church in Sapulpa. Denise graduated from Sapulpa High School (SHS) in 1998. Prior she attended Sapulpa Christian School, Victory Christian School and Lone Star Elementary.
After graduating SHS, Denise went to Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She went on and earned a Masters’s Degree in Special Education from OSU. Denise was a member of Phi Mu sorority and gained many lifelong friends, many of them by her side during her last 24 hours on Earth.
Denise left her mark in education, winning Teacher of the Year and numerous awards during her teaching career. She taught in Stillwater before moving back home to teach in Sapulpa. Denise’s students saw her as a source of rescue and fortress. She tutored children after she had to quit teaching due to her health. Denise formed such deep connections to her students both in and out of the classroom. She kept a close relationship with so many of them and could be found at their games, award ceremonies, graduations and weddings.
Denise had a long fight battling Wilson’s Disease which had her in and out of many doctors and specialists after being diagnosed at age 11. However the disease never broke her spirit or her ability to find fun in any situation. Her laugh was loud and contagious.
Rather than a “funeral,” we will celebrate Denise’s life on her birthday, January 15, 2023, at Faith Church, 201 S. Water in Sapulpa at 2pm. We would love for you to join us at her birthday party/Celebration of Life.
