Denise Thelma Durns

Denise Thelma Durns, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and devoted Christian, went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Friday, September 19, 2025.  

Born on July 6, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, she was the eldest of six children born to the union of the late Mr. and Mrs. Alex (Thelma) Mosby, Jr.  

Denise was raised with her two sisters (Linda and Addie) and three brothers (Robert, Alvin, and Gregory). As a resident on the west side of Chicago, Denise graduated from John Marshall Metropolitan High School in 1968. And later attended Triton College – School of Continuing Education completing courses in foundational computer skills. 

Denise went on to raise a family along with her husband Tommy Lee Durns (who preceded her in death). The Durns’ lovingly and intentionally disciplined, and trained up two sons, Ontario ‘Terry’ and Antonio ‘Tony’ to be hardworking family men who love God. 

Her faith in the Lord and her devotion to her church were the foundation of her life, which is why she was a choir member, July Ministry Team member, a regular attendee of bible study and Sunday School in years past at the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. More recently, she faithfully served as an Usher. In fact, when she died her uniform was pressed and ready as she looked forward to serving the next Sunday.  After being away from her church family for many months due to various health challenges, she was able to attend the Centennial Celebration Banquet where she tremendously enjoyed herself. 

Beyond her church involvement, Denise was a hard-working woman. In 1992, she became a full-time bus operator with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). She often expressed that working for CTA was great. Because of how much she enjoyed her work, she felt others could experience the same opportunities if they were willing to work hard and apply themselves. Denise preferred to work on the Pulaski, Madison, and Washington bus routes. Her exemplary performance elevated her to Employee of the Month in May of 1996 when she worked at the Chicago Avenue Garage. Denise aspired to become a CTA Bus Clerk. She achieved her goal and became a Clerk, having a successful career until she retired from CTA in 2012.

Along with her years at CTA, Denise was a loyal member of the Mattox-Collins Family Reunion - Chicago Chapter Committee and was an integral part of keeping the Mattox-Collins Family together. She made sure her sons attended the annual family reunion gatherings when they were held in various states. Her contributions were recognized when the family honored her at their 2023 Legacy Celebration. 

Denise not only traveled for reunions, but traveling would be among her hobbies of choice which also included: singing with various gospel ensembles such as The Melody Singers (with Tommy Stewart, Luberta, and her sister Linda), sewing, drawing, cooking the ham with pineapples for family gatherings, and watching game and reality court shows. She treasured her visits to Hawaii, Jamaica, Mexico, the Bahamas, Texas, and Florida, with her last trip being to the Niagara Falls this past August. She is lovingly described as the one who always ordered salad, water with lots of ice, extra napkins, and extra pickles on any sandwich, carrying her own hot sauce, salt, and pepper in her purse, and for making us laugh when she ate her cake sandwiches (a slice of cake between two slices of bread).

Denise was thankful to see that her and Tommy’s sacrificial parenting resulted in nine grandchildren. When she was not traveling, Denise attended her grandchildren’s church youth programs, football, baseball, and basketball games, swimming and water polo competitions, band/orchestra performances, track events, and plays. She was their biggest cheerleader!

In addition to Tommy, Denise was also preceded in death by her beloved parents, Alex and Thelma Mosby, Jr., her brothers Robert, Alvin, and Gregory.

Denise leaves to cherish her precious memories: her two sons, Ontario (Tracey) and Antonio (Senia); her sisters, Linda (Reed) and Addie; and her loving grandchildren, Ontario, Jr., Breanna, Ontonio, Ontavian, Antonio, Jr., Samuel, Samaya, Seth, and Auden. She is also survived by her grand-godson, Sanathean “Nate” Grayson; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends; and her in-laws, Vivan Mosby, Mary Mosby, Sandra Rhodes - Smith, Essie Williams, Curtis (Katie) Durns, and Reomie Durns.

Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Although she will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing that she is now resting in the loving embrace of her Savior.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Denise Thelma Durns, please visit our floral store.