Deidre Marie “Dee Dee” (Stredrick) Stillwell

Deidre Marie (Stredrick) Stillwell, affectionately known to many as “DeeDee”, was born on March 10, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Ruth and Eugene Stredrick. She graduated one year early from Withrow High School and later attended the University of Cincinnati and The College of Mount St. Joseph. Though she never graduated from college, she became a gifted and passionate educator, encouraging students with disabilities.

As a young woman, DeeDee gave her life to Jesus Christ. She freely shared her love for God with everyone she encountered — whether they wanted to hear it or not. She especially enjoyed ministering to troubled youth at 20/20 Juvenile Detention Center. Her unwavering devotion to Jesus earned her the nickname “DeeDee Jesus,” a title she wore with humility and joy because of her desire to be close to her Savior. 

In the 1980’s, DeeDee joined Christ Emmanuel Christian Fellowship, where she faithfully served in the choir and participated in numerous evangelistic outreach efforts. Until illness limited her attendance, she remained a devoted and committed member of the church. 

In 1966, DeeDee married Phillip Penn, Sr. To this union, two children were born: Phillip, Jr. and Darice. She later married Bobby White, and from this union came five more children: Bobby, Jr., Adoniyah, Nancy, Charnchia and Furaha. DeeDee also lovingly adopted her daughter, Mickea’la Blake. 

Following Bobby’s passing, DeeDee married James Stillwell, whom she faithfully cared for until his passing. Though she never remarried afterward, she found devoted companionship and unwavering support in Lawrence “Larry” Colbert. 

DeeDee was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Eugene Stredrick; her husbands, Bobby White and James Stillwell; and her beloved youngest daughter, Furaha Stevenson (and husband, Artie Stevenson). She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy: seven loving children, Phillip (Joy) Penn, Jr., Darice (Mark) Williams, Bobby (LaVon) White, Nancy (Patrick) Murphy, Adoniyah (Sharon) Yisrael, Charnchia (Derrick Martin) Diallo and Mickea'la Blake; four siblings, Eugene (Cynthia) Stredrick, Jr., Patricia Lynn Jackson, Deborah McDonald and Omie (Derrick) Gilbert; 28 grand-children and 29 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, church family and loved ones.

DeeDee’s life was marked by unwavering faith, fierce love for her family, devotion to God’s Word, and a passion for reaching souls. Though her voice has grown silent on this side of eternity, the seeds she planted through ministry, teaching, encouragement and prayer will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

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