Denise Walker Lucas passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 2, 1969, Denise was the daughter of Paulette Evans and Dennis Randolph Walker. She was raised in Gastonia, North Carolina, alongside her stepfather, Ernest Crocker, and her siblings, Shannon Walker and Chanda Crocker.

A graduate of East Gaston High School, Class of 1988, Denise later became a certified nursing assistant. She found great purpose in caring for the elderly and individuals living with dementia, offering compassion, patience, and kindness to those she served.

Throughout her life, Denise called many places in North Carolina home, including Indian Trail, Charlotte, and Shelby. Above all else, she cherished her family. Denise was a loving and gentle mother to Mark Allen Ball II, as well as Tiffany Lucas, and Tyler Craig Lucas with her previous husband Craig Lucas. Her caring spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Denise shared nine loving years with her fiancé, Dean Lancaster, and treasured every moment spent with family and friends. Denise was excited she was going to be a Nana to her first grandchild, Kylie. She had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in gardening, especially tending to her flowers and spending time in nature. She also enjoyed listening to music, cuddling with her beloved cat, Noah, and loving on her grand fur babies, Copper, Pup, Finnegan, Hazel, and Bonnie.

Denise’s faith and love for the Lord were a guiding light throughout her life, bringing her strength, comfort, and peace even during her illness.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Paulette Evans; and her stepfather, Ernest Crocker.

Denise is lovingly survived by her daughter, Tiffany Lucas Noel and husband Joshua Michael Noel of Lancaster, South Carolina; her son, Mark Allen Ball II and wife Brooke Taylor Ball of Dallas, North Carolina, along with their daughter, Kylie Mackenzie Ball; and her son, Tyler Craig Lucas of Roseburg, Oregon. She is also survived by her brother, Shannon Randolph Walker of Garrison, Texas; her sister, Chanda Crocker of Charlotte, North Carolina; and her fiancé, Dean Lancaster of Shelby, North Carolina.

Denise will be remembered for her gentle heart, unwavering love for her family, compassionate spirit, and the warmth she brought to all who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Gaston County, NC.

Donations may be made to the family's GoFundMe.