Denise Janelle Clayborn

Denise Janelle Clayborn, 37, gained her wings on June 19, 2025. She was born on September 16, 1987 in Kansas City, Missouri to Diane Meade and Lanorth Meade (Butchie). Denise grew up in the Raytown area and graduated from Raytown High School. During her high school years she was a member of the KC Marching Sizzlers Drill Team. After graduating Denise worked various jobs until she landed her dream position at Southwest Airlines. During her time of service she captured the hearts of coworkers and travelers.

Denise accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at the Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, and was baptized by the late Rev. Joseph Clark. Her dedication and stewardship was working as an junior usher and young adult usher. She sang in the youth choir and young adult choir. She had attended Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

Denise was proceed in death by an infant daughter Reagan Renae Dunmore, grandmother, Carthagean Trodman, and grandfather, William Trodman.

Denise loved her family and loved family gatherings. Though reserved by nature, Denise’s kindness radiated in the ways that mattered most—in her unwavering support, her thoughtful gestures, and her quiet, steadfast love for those around her. She found joy in the simple things and valued the closeness of family above all else. But her heart beat for and loved both fierce and tender— unshakable for her two sons whom she was very proud, Kendrick Jr, and Kanin, always trying to shield them from a world she couldn’t fully control.

Denise will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered by her parents, Diane Meade and Lanorth Meade (Yolanda), two sons, Kendrick Hawkins Jr. (Kendrick Hawkins Sr. father, William and Dianne Hawkins, grandparents) and Kanin Dunmore (Glenn and Lela Dunmore, grandparents). Brothers, Kevin Trodman and Shannon Williams (Christy), sisters, Ebony Clayborn, Twila Williams, and LaKesha Williams, companion, Glenn Dunmore, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.