Denise Pate Sturgill, age 57, of the Jacks Creek Community, went Home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 4th, 2026 at Mission Hospital. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of JD and Mary Elizabeth Wilcox Pate. She was preceded in death her paternal grandparents: Gladys Hughes and Andrew Pate; and her maternal grandparents: Calvin and Vena Wilcox.
Denise worked for many years as a building inspector, a role she carried out with dedication and pride. She was a loving soul whose happiest moments were spent at the beach, a place she often called her happy place. Denise shared a special bond with her beloved pet “Pumpkin” who was a constant source of companionship and love. Though her health kept her from attending church she always supported her son’s ministry at The House of Welcome, on Upper Pigeon Roost. Above all else, Denise’s grandchildren brought her immense joy. They were the light of her life often filling her days with laughter, love and happiness.
In addition to her parents she is survived by her son, Dustin Sturgill (Elizabeth) of Green Mountain, NC; daughter: Natasha Hudgins (Dereke) of Green Mountain, NC; sister, Misty Spivey (Travis) of Pickens, SC; grandchildren: Rilee, Elijah and Sadie Sturgill, Briella Honeycutt and Hailey Huskins; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 in the Chapel of Yancey funeral Services. Rev. Dustin Sturgill will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.
To send donations or condolences to the family, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
