God gave us Dedra Annette Morris for 62 years. She was born in Norfolk, VA to Doris S. Anthony and the late James Morris. Dedra transitioned peacefully and without pain at Sentara Leigh Hospital on Thursday, November 14, 2019. Through every adversity and circumstance, victory prevailed. Through every health ailment her resiliency shined. She witnessed God’s blessings and faithfulness all the days of her life.
Dedra was educated in Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. In addition, she attended Tidewater Community College and earned her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree from Tidewater Tech.
Dedra was skillful and thrived in a variety of industry areas. Her career spanned from warehouse shipping and receiving as a certified forklift operator and hazardous chemical control and fire safety officer to working with differently abled youth helping them to successfully integrate in the community. Moreover, Dedra flourished as a highly competent and compassionate caregiver and nursing professional. Prior to her illness, she served as a Private Duty Pediatric Nurse for medically complex children.
Dedra easily emerged as the champion of family where familial bonding was the very center of her life and the top of her priorities even fostering and bridging relationships beyond blood kinship. Both family and friends were recipients of her love and benefactors of her resilience and strength.
Dedra is predeceased by her bonus father who raised her, Ernest Anthony, Sr. and her infant son, Rashad Antoine Michael Morris. Dedra leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters Kimberly Morris and Kionna Morris; mother, Doris Anthony; sister, Bonita Anthony; brother, Steven Anthony; granddaughter, Kayla Morris; and a host of bonus sisters, Cassandra Butler (Berdeen), Barbara Todd, Yvonne Anthony Matlock, Michelle Anthony Wright (Joseph), and Nellie Waters; a bonus brother, Ernest “Dudley” Anthony, Jr.; and other extended family as well as aunts, uncles, numerous cousins, and special friends.
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Sherlene White says
November 20, 2019 at 10:40 amTo the family of Ms. Dedra Morris, please accept my condolences in the loss of your dear loved one. I pray that your Heavenly Father will comfort each of you during this difficult time. Evangelist Bonita Anthony, please know that I am praying for you and your family.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ?
VERA W BARNES says
November 21, 2019 at 7:02 pmAnother angel taken home. rest in heaven Dedra.
Tracey Bryant says
November 22, 2019 at 8:40 amI love, love, love Dedra. Everyone did. How could we not? She was so vibrant, joyous, curious, intelligent and loved to laugh. She was/is bold and brave, and determined. She was just full of life; and so memorable! And still is – because they that know the LORD, live always. I hope her new body is or will be as beautiful as her earthly one was – the smile, the eyes, everything. I am so sorry for the immediate family because I know it is such a great loss. You loved her well. She is at peace; and probably laughing about something right now. And we all will miss this bright light called Dedra (Debbie). She did leave us with some great memories! Go forward with pride and grit through this difficult time, because she would want you to.
Stay blessed,
Deacon Tracey M. Bryant
Your Cousin,
Daughter of Vernell,
Sister of Crystal & Shawn