Denise Teresa McCarey, age 60, of Elkhart, Indiana, peacefully entered eternal rest at 11:48 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Elkhart General Hospital.

Denise was born on September 9, 1965, in Elkhart, Indiana, to the late Freddie McKnight Sr. and Annie Thomas Whitted. She was a proud graduate of Elkhart Memorial High School, Class of 1984.

Denise was a dedicated and hardworking woman who spent many years serving her community through her employment. She worked at Homecrest for over 20 years before continuing her career at AM General, where she remained until her retirement in 2012.

A woman of strong faith, Denise loved the Lord and His Word. She was a faithful member of Agape Missionary Baptist Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Denise was known for her bold spirit, loving heart, and willingness to help others. She never met a stranger and would do whatever she could for anyone in need. Her family and friends knew her as a woman who spoke her mind, loved deeply, and brought joy wherever she went.

Denise found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed watching movies, cooking meals for loved ones, playing cards, laughing with family and friends, and spending time on Blaine Street with those she cherished most. Her presence lit up every room, and her memory will continue to bring comfort and smiles to all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband, Jack McCarey; her daughters, Jacquis McKnight of Dallas, Texas, and Shanta McKnight of Elkhart, Indiana; and her beloved grandsons, Antwain Stark Jr. and Andrew Stark, both of Elkhart, Indiana.

She is also survived by her sisters, Jennifer (Melvin) Wilson of North Carolina, Letha McKnight and Annette James of Elkhart, Indiana, Angela (David) Small of Arizona, and Sandra Hines and Gloria Tate of Alabama; her brothers, Freddie (Cynthia) McKnight Jr. of Elkhart, Indiana, Benjamin (Lisa) Hines, Michael (Paula) McCarey, Johnny McCarey of Alabama, and Ballenger McCarey of Illinois; her stepmother, Janette Newton; her special people Tamala Jackson, Debby Barbee, Stella Arnold, and Roger Ballard; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends, and many other children whose lives she touched and who loved her dearly.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Freddie McKnight Sr. and Annie Thomas Whitted; her grandparents; and her sisters, Sarita Bonner and Alicia Mitchell.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in knowing that Denise’s journey does not end here. Her legacy of love, strength, laughter, faith, and generosity will live on in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

Forever Loved. Forever Remembered. Forever Missed. ❤️