Denea Stephanie White

With sorrow in our hearts, Seminole/Comanche tribal member, Denea Stephanie White, whose life was a testament to love, faith, and kindness, went home to be with the Lord on September 7th, 2025. The life of our beloved began October 30th, 1971 in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Denea was a radiant soul — full of grace, compassion, and unwavering faith. Her beauty was not only seen in her smile, beautiful hazel eyes and gentle presence, but in the way she lived: selflessly, prayerfully, and with a heart always turned toward others. Her life was a living reflection of Proverbs 31:25 — “She is clothed with strength and dignity.”

A devoted mom, sister, auntie, niece, cousin and friend, Denea poured love into every relationship. She walked closely with Our Heavenly Father God and made the Lord’s love known through her kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength. Her heart was filled with warmth, her prayers were powerful, and her faith never wavered.

Denea attended New Lima and Zuni Schools. She worked for over 20 plus years at the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, specifically the Seminole Nation Transportation Department where she became a roads scholar. Denea helped to construct many highways in rural Seminole County. She had also been employed at the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma. Her hobbies included dancing at the Wewoka Trading Post and powwows, riding her Harley motorcycle, going to church, cooking and spending time with her loving family.

She was always known for her gentle spirit and encouraging words all. Her Bible was her constant companion, and she lived each day seeking to honor Christ in word and deed.

She was preceded in death by mother Linda S. Ellis (Harjo-Cummings), father Patrick A. White, sister Christy Sams, Uncle “Sonny” Johnson, Uncle Darrell, Aunt Patsy, grandparents Lucille and Sam Johnson, grandmother Barbara White, grandfather Leo Cummings, her children’s’ father, Tom Marshall Jr., J.R. Williams, step-father Russell Ellis and beautiful best friend/sister Shawn Thomas.

She is survived by her two children Troyce Marshall and Hannah Marshall, Nephews she treated like sons, Ramey “Boop” Harrison and Tristian “Sugars” Harrison, two brothers Phillip and Kevin Ellis, Sisters Andrea Ellis-Harrison, Holly Ellis and Sister Shannon of Shawnee, Oklahoma. One brother-in-law Jerome Harrison. Uncles Eddie, Mark, Chuck and Leo “papa.” Aunts Carolyn “sissy,” Marilyn “auntie” and the loving Tamina “Nanny.”

In all her cherished relationships, none were closer than the cousins she considered her brothers and sisters, Cheri, Angela, Debra, Edith, Nelda, Kelly, Crystal, Cam, Candace, Cocoa, Tori, Sommer, Brent, Jason, Justin, Chad, Nate, “Big Boy” and Brother Lloyd Thomas who will carry her legacy of love, grace, and faith. In addition to her family she leaves behind cherished friends Minnie M., Rocha V., Jo B., Kim P., and Jimmy C.

A visitation will be held at the Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma beginning Tuesday September 9th 2025 at 3PM until 7PM. Wake Service will be conducted at the Swearingen Funeral Home Wednesday September 10th 2025 at 5PM. Funeral service will be Thursday September 11th 2025 at New Life Church, Wewoka, Oklahoma at 1PM with Paul Fixico officiating. Burial will follow at the Harjo Family cemetery in Wewoka, Oklahoma.

Casket bearers are Troyce Marshall, Skyler Reschke, Ramey Harrison, Tristian Harrison, Christian Sneed and Joseph George.

Honorary casket bearers are Jerome Harrison, Uncle Mark, Uncle Eddie, Uncle Chuck, “Big Boy,” Brent White, Scotty Orenour, B.J. White, Jaelin Jones, Chris Coon, Seth “Biscuit” Cummings, Kelson DeCoteau, Jimmy Choate and her late uncle sonny.

Although she is no longer with us in body, her light lives on — in the hearts she touched, the prayers she prayed, and the faith she so beautifully lived.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23