Deidre K. Greer

Deidre Greer (Dede Hayes) was born April 4, 1963 in Far Rockaway, NY.  She departed from this life on Saturday, September 28, 2019 after a short battle with cancer.

Dede was the 5^th  child of seven children, born to the late Arlene Virginia & Samuel E. Hayes, Sr. She graduated from Far Rockaway High School and later moved to Bluefield, WV where she received her Associates degree from Bluefield State College. Upon her relocation to Cincinnati, Dede held various roles throughout her professional career.  At her last job she worked as a Transportation Logistics Coordinator at SAF Holland in Cincinnati, OH.

Dede had three beautiful children, one girl and two boys; Sharae, Robert and Justin and raised them in Cincinnati. In raising them, she was passionate about her family staying close, being there for one another and spending time together. She became a mother to so many. Taking her children’s friends under her wings on numerous occasions, she became the one they would go to for encouragement, advise, a shoulder to cry on and so much more.

As a native New Yorker, Dede was always into fashion, dancing and music. For some time, she aspired to be an M.C. (rapper), Lady D.  She was a member of a dance team, “Five Shades of Black”, where they traveled and won competitions. A triple threat, a Diva to say the least, she was quick to share how she felt, always had a joke and brought so much laughter to the room with her great sense of humor.  She loved to host and prepare large spreads, making sure the love was evident in every dish.  Having matchless but often copied recipes, her mac 'N' cheese and collard greens were the best!  Whether "stepping in the name of love" with her sons or singing duets with her siblings, uncles or friends, Dede was the life of every party.

Dede met her love, Johnny Greer (Jay), 12 years ago. They became active leaders of Word of Life Ministries Christian Center. They married June 20, 2015.  Dede was a part of the Praise Team.  She loved to sing, a Thompson trait!  Seeking to be greater in God and for God, she found a newness.  Discovering her own personal ministry, growing in wisdom, stature and favor she touched the lives of so many people outside of her church home.  Boldly sharing the Word and the testimony of her life, she touched the hearts of those she encountered.  Showing and giving love, even in battle, she will forever be a pillar of strength, courage, love and victory.

Dede was preceded in death by her dad Samuel E. Hayes Sr., mom Arlene Hayes and brother, Samuel E. Hayes, Jr.  She leaves to mourn her: husband, Jay Greer, her children Sharae (James); Robert and Justin, 3 sisters; Letitia, Olivia & Melanie and 2 brothers; Curtis and Sean; 7 grandchildren; 7 nieces, 3 nephews and a host of great nieces, great nephews, family and friends.

The family would like to thank everyone who visited Dede during her stay in the hospital, prayed and sent cards, flowers and condolences.   We will be forever grateful for all you’ve done. 

POEM

Legacy of Lady D

A wife, a mother a grandma too

This is the legacy we have from you

You taught us love and how to fight

You gave us strength, you gave us might

A stronger person would be hard to find

And in your heart, you were always kind

You fought for us all in one way or another

Not just as a wife, not just as a mother

For all of us you gave your best

Now the time has come for you to rest

So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep

Your love in our hearts we’ll eternally keep.

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