Ms. Denise Anastasia “Stacey” Knox, of Petersburg, VA, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

Denise was born on November 18, 1963, in Fort Hood, Texas and was raised around the world – including the United States, England, and Algeria.

Denise spent her life caring for others. As a devoted mother and big sister, she made sure that those she loved never went without – even if it was at her own expense! Her faith in Jesus inspired her to carry this love forward to so many in the community, working for various Community Services Boards and mental health agencies in the Warrenton/Culpeper and Richmond/Petersburg areas within Virginia and in Fort Myers, Florida. Her great love extended to all living creatures – particularly horses and cats – as well as the beautiful plant life found that gave her great joy in her gardens.

Denise lived larger than life. She faced problems head on and when others might have asked – why? She leapt forward – why not! She was a mover and a shaker, especially after learning and growing from early life lessons. She ensured others were cared for using her full scope of practice with the CSB. She was thanked repeatedly. We family members admired her determination and strength, as she hiked mountains and took her cats to the Hatteras beaches she dearly loved weeks before she died. We love you, Stace.

Denise was preceded in death by her grandparents, John Crawford Knox and Daphne Joan Knox; her loving father, Denis Anthony Knox; and her nephew, Reuben Woodward.

Denise is survived by her two sons, Tony Payne and Jeffrey Payne; sister Amanda Tuyl; daughter-in-law Katie Bellile; granddaughter Adelei Kruegler; and nephews Charlie Stone, Max Stone, Jonah Woodward, and Noah Woodward.

A service celebrating this magnificent life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Gayton Baptist Church, 13501 North Gayton Rd., Henrico, VA 23233.

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