Dedra Leary Jordan

On Friday, May 4, 2018, Dedra Regina Leary Jordan completed her journey on earth and entered her new life in Glory. Dedra was born in Portsmouth, Virginia to Dr. DeLores Leary Wilson and the late Roosevelt Leary. She was predeceased by a brother, Roosevelt Leary, Jr. She leaves to celebrate her legacy one son, Milton Ray Dixon, III of Chesapeake, VA; mother, Dr. DeLores Leary Wilson and step father, Mr. Paul Wilson of Virginia Beach, VA. Other survivors include Mark Leary (half brother); Tracy Leary and Jada Hurdle, (half sisters); Yevetta Wilson Worst, (step sister); Paul Wilson ,(step brother); uncle, Lorenzo Braye  of New Jersey; three grandchildren, Nariah, Arian and Aria Dixon of Virginia Beach; one niece, Zenobia Braye of Maryland and a host of relatives and friends.

Dedra graduated from Crestwood High School, received a BS Degree from Virginia State University, MS Degree from James Madison University and a PhD from Kentucky Western University. She taught for a period of time in the Norfolk Public School System but spent most of her career working in the field of Human Resources for several major companies. She completed her work experience as Director of Human Resources at New Horizon Regional Educational Center. Dedra possessed outstanding talents in the field of music and shared these talents throughout the community as a minister of music. She was a devoted and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.; having served as President of Iota Omega Chapter, Norfolk and as a Charter Member and President of Upsilon Omicron Omega. Her leadership abilities were exhibited as she served as local and National President (twice) of Les Gemmes, Inc., and was affiliated with numerous local, state and national organizations related to her field. She was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions.

Dedra spent much of her life as an active member of St. Joseph AME Zion Church, Chesapeake, VA and later affiliated with St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Portsmouth, VA.