Denese Grace Johnson memorial service set

Denese Grace Johnson

Denese Grace Johnson of Heavener was born Feb. 8, 1953 in Talihina to Marland and Aline (Johnson) Ashalintubbi and passed away April 29, 2025 in Talihina at the age of 72.

A memorial service to celebrate Denese’s life is 2 p.m. Friday at Freedom House Fellowship in Heavener, with Brother Sam Dyer officiating.  Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Denese, a cherished member of our community and a devoted supply clerk at Choctaw Nation Hospital, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love and pride in her Choctaw heritage. A longtime resident of the area, she treasured the moments spent with her family and friends. Denese was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation and an active member of Grace Indian Baptist in Talihina. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, and her warmth and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Denese is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers David Wayne Ashalintubbi, Ferris Ashalintubbi and Martin James; and a sister, Verloyn Ashalintubbi.

Survivors are two sons Gerald Watson of Durant and Brandon Hickman of Heavener; two daughters Crystal Pilkington and husband Shawn of Heavener, and Jaclyn Emmert and husband Jerimy of Panama; six grandchildren Cheyanne Shelton and husband Logan, Ty Pilkington and wife Meagan, Emmanuel Watson, Austin Emmert, Dylan Emmert and wife Hannah, Brooklyn Hickman; five great-grandchildren Addilyn, Ryan, and Ona Shelton, Ashtyn and Silas Pilkington; one brother Dennis Ashalintubbi and wife Terri of Ashville, North Carolina; one sister Hanna Williams of Talihina; two half-sisters Minnie Ashalintubbi of Clarksville, Arkansas,

Pauline Genemetes and husband Brian of Clarksville, Arkansas; numerous other family and friends.

The family will have visitation with friends Thursday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

To sign Denese’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.