Denise Harrison Sills

Denise Harrison Sills, 56, passed from this life on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at her home in Chapel Hill, NC. Denise was the oldest of three daughters born to Dennis R. Harrison and Dixie Warren Harrison of Durham, NC. She graduated from Northern Durham High School in 1982 and from North Carolina State University in 1986 with a BS in Electrical Engineering. Following college she worked at Nortel Networks for 22 years as a software engineer. She made several trips to Japan as a Nortel Networks employee developing a number of professional relationships and friendships. Since 2012 she had worked as a software developer for Sensus. Denise is survived by her husband of 33 years, Eric D. Sills and their son, Matthew; parents, Dennis and Dixie Harrison of Durham; two sisters DeAnne Harrison of Durham and Dawn Nestvogel and her husband Dean of Kannapolis; two brothers-in-law, Steve Sills and his wife Phyllis of Charlotte, and Richard Sills of Asheville; and nieces and nephews: Melanie Ray and husband Tripp, Sabrina Sills, Elizabeth Sills, James Sills, Brennen Nestvogel, and Anneka Nestvogel; and great-nephew, Tristan Ray. A faithful member of United Church of Chapel Hill, Denise served as an usher, assisted with the children’s ministry, and played in the Bronze Voices handbell choir. Denise was an active band parent while son Matthew was in the Chapel Hill High School marching band. She and Matthew also took Taekwondo classes together with both achieving the level of third degree black belt. Denise loved spending time at Topsail Island on the beach, in the ocean, or boating surrounded by friends and family. She was an avid reader and was never far from a book. At home she enjoyed the fresh vegetables from her garden and quilting. She leaves behind many friends and family who cherish the time spent with her and her smiling face. Arrangements are being made by Walker’s Funeral Home in Chapel Hill. Plans for a memorial service will be determined at a later date. Some of Denise’s favorite charities and organizations were NC State University College of Engineering, United Church of Chapel Hill, and WUNC public radio.