This obituary was originally published on Colvin Funeral Homes & Cremations.
Denise Lynn (Martin) Ferguson was born on December 24, 1957, in Leominster, Massachusetts to Albert Gonsalves Martin and Ethel May (Adams) Martin. Both her parents and her sisters Donna (Treadwell) Greene and Ronda Treadwell preceded her in death.
She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Lorenzo Ferguson, her children Sharonda Lindsay (Edmond), Christopher Bethea (Dianna), William, Chanda, Thomas, and Joseph, her grandchildren; Chris Jr., Dyshawn, Zovon, William Jr., Weslie, Nyla, Charlee, Cashe, Ciana, and great- grandson Ace, her siblings; Kathy (Treadwell) Butler, Everett Treadwell Jr. (Evelyn, MA), Deborah Smith, and Kenneth Treadwell (Tracy).
Denise also leaves behind a host of other dearly beloved family members and friends who will continue in the legacy of her love.
Although Denise was a middle child, she held the mantle as her family’s matriarch due to her wisdom, generosity, deep love, and caring for the overall wellbeing and protection of her family’s integrity. Through every challenge, hardship, conflict, and every celebration, she was available as a problem-solver, a confidant, a mediator, an advocate, and a nurturing supporter.
Denise’s greatest joy in life was rooted in spending meaningful time with her family—traveling together, celebrating the successes of others, and graciously opening her home to friends and loved ones for gatherings filled with good food, fellowship, and music. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she took great delight in filling her home with festive decorations that reflected the joy of the season. Denise was intentional in ensuring that every guest felt welcomed, safe, and appreciated, often sending them home with a gift as an expression of her generous spirit. She cherished moments spent reminiscing, laughing, and fully embracing each moment of life. Denise was exceedingly generous with her time, talents, and resources, guided by a deep desire to help others recognize their value to God and overcome life’s challenges in pursuit of a better quality of life.
Denise was a servant leader who dedicated her life to the advocacy of those who are disenfranchised and vulnerable. For many years in Massachusetts, she was the Regional Director of state-funded residential programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities. After relocating to Fayetteville North Carolina in 1994, she worked as Regional Director of Services for the Autism Society of North Carolina. In 2013 she co-founded Lifespan ABA Inc., with her daughter Sharonda. An organization which supports the holistic functioning of children with autism spectrum disorders in Cumberland County. Denise served on the Board of Directors for The Autism Society of Cumberland County for many years and actively participated in many grassroots community events to raise funding and awareness of the need to enhance service support for children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Denise will be deeply missed by many, yet her legacy of faith in God through Jesus Christ and her active love for others will continue in the lives of those who were blessed to be touched by her life, and into eternity…