Obituary of Dennyce Sconier

Dennyce Sconier (Nutter) entered this world on February 22, 1958. She was called home to her eternal resting place on August 23, 2023 after a short, but victorious battle with cancer. Dennyce, affectionately known as Denny, loved the Lord, and because of that, we trust, believe, and walk in confidence knowing that her battle was won through Christ Jesus.

Born in East Orange, New Jersey to the late Johnnie R. Sconier and Ophelia F. Sconier (Goldsborough), Denny was an adventurous child, often taking on any challenge to prove her endurance and fortitude, traits that continued throughout her life. Denny was a product of the East Orange Public School System, graduating from East Orange High School in 1976. Denny matriculated at Rowan University (Glassboro State College), and she graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in mathematics. While in college, Denny was an active member of the college community. She made the Dean’s List, and Denny became a member of ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY INCORPORATED, Lambda Rho Chapter on April 1, 1978. It is also at Rowan University where she began two of her most cherished 45-year friendships with Pam Johnson and Reginald Butler.

After college, Denny’s love of math led her to become an Account Executive for the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, where she was charged with the task of balancing all revenues received on the gaming floors. While working in Atlantic City, she met and later married the late Basil Nutter in December 1987.  Although Denny enjoyed her tenure in Atlantic City, her true love of teaching and a passion for helping children continued to call. Denny was a natural math teacher. Her talents became evident at a very young age, as she often forced her younger sister to “play school" for hours on end, always making up math tests, grading them, and then insisting on teaching the correct mathematical process. One of her most cherished Christmas gifts as a child was a full sized chalkboard that flipped and came complete with colored chalk and an eraser.

Denny taught basic and advanced placement math in both the Camden City and Pleasantville School Districts. As a teacher, she was always looking for fun, exciting, and unique ways to teach her students the complexities of math. Her creative teaching style and techniques made her the recipient of many accolades from both staff and students, even receiving a Teachers Grant and special commendations from the McDonald's Foundation. Denny was an excellent math teacher and she took great pride in making every child feel special. She made it her personal mission to instill in all her students the message that no challenge is too difficult or insurmountable.

Denny was tenacious in her desire to help others. Even upon her retirement while living in an assisted living facility, she tutored her Home Health Aides in math, so that each person she tutored could pass the GED exam and professionally advance in their careers.  In her last days, the fruits of Denny’s labor as a teacher were clearly evident.  At least three of the nurses and other staff recognized Denny as their previous math teacher, and they thanked her personally for fostering a love and aptitude for math. Most importantly, they thanked her for imparting to them the mindset that all things were possible, a mantra which contributed to their professional careers in the healthcare industry.

Denny loved the Lord. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church (Newark) under the leadership of the late Senior Pastor, Dr. James A. Scott from her childhood until she relocated to southern New Jersey as a young adult. After her relocation to southern New Jersey, Denny later became a member of Bethany Baptist Church (Lindenwold) under the leadership of Bishop David G. Evans. Denny loved to sing, particularly enjoying a verse of “Blessed Assurance”.

Denny lived her life with great conviction. She had a very vivacious personality and she loved to laugh and have a fun time. She loved her family, and she cherished the many memories of family gatherings celebrating holidays, birthdays or simply enjoying long days at Belmar beach.

Those who truly knew Denny understood that she had the heart of a lamb, but the spirit of a lion. She was often a champion for those less fortunate, fighting for what she felt was right. Her battle with cancer was no different. Denny did her life’s journey, her way! When asked how she wanted to handle her end of life decisions, she said, "I have always lived my life looking straight ahead and cancer is no different.  If I get better or if it takes me down, at least I can say I kept walking straight ahead."

Denny’s assignment is done and she is still walking straight ahead. Except this time, there is a host of heavenly angels ushering her path.  It is no surprise that Denny departed this life right before school starts. As a teacher, it was this time when she would prepare for the new school year, put lesson plans together, and prepare her room to be a place of learning and growth. But now, she is no longer the teacher, but the student, sitting at the feet of Jesus learning her eternal lessons of peace, joy and heavenly rest.

Dennyce is predeceased by her loving parents, Johnnie and Ophelia Sconier, and her brother, John E. Sconier. She is cherished and remembered by her sister, Andrea Sconier-LaBoo (George); her nieces, Jenel, Sherrie, and Maya; her nephews, Chauncey, Kasseem, and Jacquin; and her great nieces. She leaves to mourn her loving and faithful cousins, and a host of dedicated family and friends who undoubtedly had a great impact in her life.