HER LIFE'S JOURNEY

On November 10, 1970, in Nassau, Bahamas, the Lord blessed the late Geraldine and Carl Rodgers, Sr. with two precious twins. One was named Daron, and the other was named Deidre Lavon Rodgers.

HER SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

Having been reared in a Christian home, Deidre and her siblings were required to attend church every Sunday. At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Nassau, Bahamas.

HER EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY

At the age of nine, Deidre moved to Miami, Florida, with her parents, where she continued her formal education in the Miami-Dade County Public School System. She attended Lake Stevens Middle School and later graduated from American Senior High School as a member of the Class of 1988. While in high school, she excelled in both volleyball and track, earning varsity letters in each sport. During her time at American Senior High School, Deidre also had the distinct honor of receiving vocal training from the renowned late Roscoe Speed.

Determined to pursue academic excellence, Deidre attended Miami Dade College, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree. She continued her education at St. Thomas University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Never one to stop pursuing her goals, she later returned to St. Thomas University and completed her Master's degree.

HER TRUE LOVE

Following an evening Communion Service on June 7, 1992, the late Geraldine Rodgers granted permission for a young gentleman named Rodrick McPhee to take her baby girl, Deidre, on a date. As they say, the rest is history.

On November 11, 1995, under the watchful eyes of the late Reverend Arthur Jackson, Jr., Rodrick and Deidre joined hands in Holy Matrimony. Together, they shared thirty beautiful years of love, companionship, and devotion. Although no children were born to their union, Deidre lovingly embraced the role of bonus mother to Rodrick's son, Donshae, whom she cherished as her own.

HER EARTHLY LABOR

Deidre began her professional career with Miami-Dade County in 1994 as a Park Service Aide with the Parks and Recreation Department. In 1996, she joined the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department as a Clerk I.

Through dedication, hard work, and professionalism, she steadily advanced throughout her career, earning promotions to Office Support Specialist II, Police Records Specialist I, Administrative Secretary, and Executive Secretary. Continuing her exemplary service, she was later promoted to Personnel Specialist II. This position was subsequently reclassified as Senior Personnel Specialist within the Personnel Management Bureau of the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department.

HER WORK IN THE VINEYARD

After relocating from Nassau, Bahamas, to Miami, Florida, the Rodgers family united with Peace Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Thomas W. McCloud, Sr. Following much prayer and spiritual guidance, the family later moved their membership to New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Arthur Jackson, Jr.

From an early age, Deidre was actively involved in numerous church ministries, but her greatest passion was singing. Blessed with a beautiful voice, she faithfully served as a lead vocalist with the Voices of Shiloh, the Young Adult Choir, and the Fellowship Mass Choir. She was also a devoted member of the Miami Mass Choir under the leadership of Bishop Marc Cooper and Minister Craig Walden, using her gift of song to glorify God and inspire all who heard her minister.

Her unwavering faith, servant's heart, and love for worship left an indelible mark on the lives of those blessed to know her.