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Evangelist Willie Eugene Landren Denmon was born on February 10, 1936 to Luther Landren and Pearl Landren in Austin, Texas. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age, was filled with the Holy Spirit and was baptized at St. Paul Baptist Church, Austin. Affectionately nicknamed "Gene", her service and singing in church and in the community also began at an early age. In her pre-teen years, and having learned piano mostly by ear, Gene played the piano at St. Paul. She attended elementary, junior high and completed high school in Austin. While attending "Old" Anderson High, Gene and a close cousin Dorothy Dixon became known for singing throughout the Austin and surrounding areas. It was no surprise that when the late Rev E.M. Franklin heard Gene and her cousin Dorothy sing, he suggested they start a singing group with his daughters: Evelyn and Dorothy Franklin. Immediately the group of four formed and became known as the "Chariettes "- also making history as Austin's youngest first Black Female recording gospel quartet. Each member of the Chariettes completed high school while traveling and singing locally and non-locally. The biggest breakthrough came in 1952 when Gene and the Chariettes were blessed to sign and record with Don Roby's Peacock and Duke label, with two original recordings soaring to #10 on gospel charts in the U.S: "Step by Step" (lead by Gene Landren, and "Prop Me Jesus " lead by Dorothy Dixon). Out of high school, Gene's travel took her to Los Angeles. Gene lived and sang in Los Angeles until she would later decide to return to Austin, being "homesick" for her mother and family. While continuing to sing and travel, Gene attended People's Business College, Austin Community College, was employed as a guidance counselor for 10 years at CATP House, and 12 years for the State of Texas as a Program Development Therapist. She united in marriage to Edward Lee Denmon, I. and to this union were born two children: Edward "Teddy" Lee Denmon, II, and Minister Bernadette Denmon Dulic. Teddy and Bernadette have an elder and a younger brother: Larry Denmon and Calvin Shepard. 1989, Gene accepted her call to preach and used her God-given gifts and talents to minister at workshops, seminars, and many other church functions until her health began to decline. Although a former member, Sweet Home Baptist church was where Gene rendered her last services to the church in her full capacities as Evangelist and Psalmist. Gene is preceeded in death by her parents, her six sisters: Beulah Sterling, Fannie Mae Taylor, Rosie Lee Gray, Frances Brazil, Annie Ruth Johns, Hazel Berneice Edwards and one brother Ben Troy Sneed. She is survived by her children: Teddy (Audrey) and Minister Bernadette (Al); grandchildren: Briana L Hart, Alycia Denmon, Elyjah L. Denmon, and Demytrius Denmon; one sister-in-law Glennis Denmon; oldest best friends Marie Thompson, Carolyn Wilson; and dear friend and prayer warrior Minister Janary Roberts; a host of nephews and nieces and God-daughters.

Tributes

Evangelist Willie Eugene Denmon

February 10, 1936 - May 11, 2025