Deidra Laverne Traylor

Deidra’s Journey of Life

Dr. Deidra Laverne Traylor (known to some as “Dr. Dee”) passed away on October 5, 2023, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, KS. She was surrounded by her loving and caring family.

Deidra was born on February 17, 1965 in Kansas City, KS to John and Dorothy (Nelson) Richard. She was their first child and only daughter. She grew up in Kansas City, KS and attended USD 500 schools. She was the first graduating class to complete all five years at Sumner Academy of Arts and Science. Deidra was an active member of the drill team from eighth grade to her twelfth-grade year. After high school she attended Pittsburgh State University in Pittsburg, KS; after a year she then transferred to Kansas State University. Deidra continued her education after her children were born, she attended some classes in-person and online as she was employed full-time. As a full time employee, she pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Organization and Leadership. A Master’s Degree in Special Education: Her second Master’s Degree in Psychology was completed in December 2022 during her period of illness.  Deidra received her Doctorate in Philosophy with a minor in Clinical Christian Counseling. She holds certifications as a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor and Certified Temperament Counselor.

She received numerous awards and recognitions from many organizations.

Deidra’s employment consisted of working as a Paralegal at the Wyandotte County Courthouse in Kansas City, KS; Teacher for the Kansas City, KS USD 500 for 25 years; She served as a Therapist at the Addiction Stress Center for 5 years and the Director of 17 Adult Rehabilitation Centers for Salvation Army.  In November 2019 she relocated to Hoffman Estates, Illinois where she served as the Regional Director for Salvation Army until she became ill.

At an early age Deidra united with the Second Metropolitan Baptist Church in Kansas City, KS under the leadership of Rev. Dr. C.E. Taylor. She was the first member to be baptized at Second Metropolitan by Dr. Taylor in whom she dearly loved.  She later united with the Forest Grove Baptist Church in Kansas City, KS under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Desmond Lamb. Deidra has always enjoyed being a true believer in Christ, she was dedicated to doing Christian Services.  She served in various positions in her local church, District, State and Western Regional. She enjoyed working in different ministries. She served as Church Musician for many years, enjoyed singing in the choir, Praise Dancing, teaching, and working with Youth. She was currently serving as the Mission President at Forest Grove and was looking forward to leading the Mission Department to higher heights.

In December 2016, Deidra became a member of the Omega Iota Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., although she was disabled, she valued the Sisterhood. She bragged about being a “Finer Woman”. Her Parents would often stay on her about buying so much paraphernalia, and would often say “you have gone Zeta crazy”!

Her most enjoyable moments were spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, and her grand pups (Laila and Ro$coe). Deidra enjoyed buying and playing games with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed shopping, reading, crocheting, listening to Gospel music while crafting and making gifts for others. Deidra had a love for traveling and looked forward to the yearly family summer vacations.

Deidra is survived by her three daughters; Allysia Marks of Kansas City, MO, Diona Marks of Kansas City, MO and Keyanna Tolon of Tulsa, OK; her parents John and Dorothy Richard of Kansas City, KS; brothers Bobby  Stringfellow (Janice) of Harker Heights, TX;  Jeffrey Richard (Veronica) of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; Six Grandchildren CaMiyah Beatty, Journee Beatty, Dion Marks, Rahi’Elle McNeal, Destiny McCluney of Kansas City, MO and Ava Headspeth of Tulsa, OK.

Two non-biological sisters La’Waunda (Charles) of Kansas City, Ks and Marion (also known as Von) of Houston, TX; several Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Sorority Sisters and a host of other relatives, friends and past students.

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