Denise Hope, 77, of Etowah, TN formerly of Atlanta, GA, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026.

She had a deep love for horses and cherished the time she spent showing them. Her artistic spirit could be seen in her work as an artisan, where she created beautiful jewelry and expressed her love of fashion and personal style. She had an eye for beauty in many forms and found great joy in creating and surrounding herself with beautiful things.

Professionally, Denise worked as a property manager at Southern Heritage in Atlanta, Georgia, where she was known for her dedication and care. Outside of work, she loved flowers and enjoyed the simple beauty they brought to her life. She was also an avid reader and treasured quiet moments spent with a good book.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Joyce Zellinger; beloved pets, Bandit and Bridgette.

She is survived by her beloved husband who took wonderful care of her, Stanley Hope; stepchildren and spouses, Lonnie Hope, Jamie and Mobley Hope; brother and sister-in-law, Kent and Laurie Zellinger; sister, Shelly Bagget; beloved pets, Little Bit; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2026 at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the McMinn Regional Humane Society, 320 South Jackson St., Suite A, Athens, TN 37303, Attn: Donations, or by giving online by visiting https://mrhumane.org/clubs/mcminn-humane-society/pages/donate_