Denise Kindness

Denise Kindness “Ma K”, beloved mother, friend, and pillar of her community, passed away on May 31, 2026 at the age of 87. A fun-loving, life-of-the-party presence with timeless class, she filled every room with warmth, laughter, and generous hospitality.

Born on January 8, 1939 in East London, South Africa, she was the daughter of the late John Abraham Andrew Ferreira and Daphne Mabel Brown Ferreria Chambers. Denise dedicated her life to family, community service, and bringing people together. She and her husband, Colin, were lifelong members of the Lions Club in King William’s Town, where they organized and ran numerous fundraisers. Her favorite was the annual beer stube — she loved getting the party started, often dancing on the tables and lifting everyone’s spirits.

Denise was deeply involved in the school community, serving on the PTO and baking batches of cookies and cakes for bazaars. She was the steadfast timekeeper in the box at her son Colin’s and daughter Barbara’s swim meets, cheering them on at every race. For many young men who lived in the hostels at Dale College, Denise was a surrogate mother — welcoming them into her home, feeding them, and entertaining them with her warm, mischievous antics.

For over 25 years Denise worked as a secretary at Van Der Zee Contracting, where her dedication and friendly presence were appreciated by colleagues and clients alike. She was an amazing cook and baker who loved hosting dinner parties to showcase her favorite dishes and desserts; her kitchen was where memories were made and friendships deepened.

Later in life, Denise moved to the United States to help raise her grandchildren, embracing her role as a devoted grandmother with the same love and enthusiasm she had always shown her family and community. Her grandchildren fondly remember trips to Arizona Diamondbacks baseball games, evenings spent watching American Idol together, and the creative themed birthday cakes she lovingly baked each year. During this time, she also worked at Kalil Bottling, where her cheerful spirit and strong work ethic endeared her to many. One of her greatest joys was welcoming her great-grandchildren, Luke and Siena, whom she adored and spoiled with endless love and affection.

She is survived by her only daughter, Barbara Turner and her husband Michael Turner, two grandchildren Savanna Peterson (Brian) and Kevin Kirley and two great grandchildren Luke Peterson and Siena Peterson and numerous family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Colin Raymond Kindness and beloved son, Colin Watson Kindness.

A memorial service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Tuan Pham Nguyen officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 1009 Benson Street, Hartwell GA 30643 or honor Denise by sharing a favorite recipe or baking for someone in need.

Denise “Ma K” will be remembered for her generosity, her joyful spirit, and the way she made every gathering feel like a celebration. Her laughter and love will be deeply missed.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.